Oscar Branning Dies In Hospital | EastEnders

EastEnders is once again shaking Walford to its core, delivering a wave of heartbreak, shocking revelations, and long-term twists that will echo well into the future. From devastating exits and emotional tributes to explosive secrets about lost children and a bold flashforward that rewrites what fans think they know, the soap is entering one of its most intense eras yet.

Behind the scenes, emotions are running just as high. Actress Laura Dodington has paid an emotional tribute to her EastEnders co-star Roland Manukian following his dramatic exit from the show. The two arrived in Albert Square together last year as Nicola and Teddy Mitchell, instantly injecting new life into the legendary Mitchell dynasty. From the moment they stepped onto the Square, Nicola and Teddy embodied everything the Mitchell name stands for—power, loyalty, and an unshakable willingness to cross lines to protect their own.

True to tradition, Teddy and Nicola wasted no time making themselves known as ruthless business operators. They were fearless, strategic, and unapologetic when it came to defending their family’s interests, even if it meant making enemies along the way. Teddy, in particular, quickly became a fan favorite, blending menace with surprising depth. But his story has now come to a devastating end.

In recent episodes, Teddy made the ultimate sacrifice for his son. When drug dealer Oki was murdered—by Teddy’s own child, Harry—Teddy stepped forward and took the blame. Knowing full well what it would cost him, he chose to protect Harry at all costs. His final scenes aired on Thursday, December 11, showing Teddy being handed a life sentence before being transferred to a prison in Durham. It was a bleak, heartbreaking farewell that left fans reeling.

Following the episode, Laura Dodington took to social media to express her grief and gratitude for her time working alongside Manukian. Posting a heartfelt message accompanied by both heart and heartbreak emojis, she shared intimate photos of the pair—one smiling warmly side by side, another capturing a tender moment as she kissed his cheek. The images spoke volumes about their bond, both on and off screen.

Fans were quick to echo her sentiments, flooding the comments with disappointment and sadness over Teddy’s exit. Many called the decision a huge mistake, praising Manukian’s performance and insisting the show won’t feel the same without him. Others expressed hope that Teddy might one day return, while countless messages thanked the actor for bringing such a compelling character to life. EastEnders later confirmed the exit in an official statement, wishing Roland Manukian the very best for the future—though that did little to ease viewers’ sense of loss.

While one chapter closes, EastEnders is opening several explosive new ones. The show has officially confirmed multiple long-running fan theories surrounding Zoe Slater and her adopted child, completely reshaping her storyline. In an episode packed with twists, viewers finally learn the truth about mysterious newcomer Jasmine Fisher—and her connection to the Square is far more personal than anyone imagined.

As Zoe struggles to uncover who has been stalking her, tensions at home escalate dangerously. Jean’s mental health begins to deteriorate under the strain, leaving Lily to shoulder an overwhelming amount of responsibility. Cat and Alfie soon realize that something is seriously wrong when they discover Jean in a fragile state and the house in total chaos. Forced to confront the truth, Lily admits that her grandmother’s condition has spiraled out of control.

Cat is furious when Jean confesses that she was responsible for the threatening message sent to Zoe via the Christmas lights. However, her anger quickly gives way to compassion as she recognizes just how unwell Jean has become. In an emotional moment, Cat promises to stand by her and support her through whatever comes next.

When Cat later tells Zoe the truth, Zoe’s reaction is unexpected. Rather than lashing out, she shows understanding, recognizing Jean’s pain and the devastation of losing a child. Still, Zoe makes it clear that despite her sympathy, she won’t be returning to the pub.

Determined to get answers, Cat turns to Anthony for help. He immediately arranges an urgent mental health assessment for Jean, but his focus soon shifts to Zoe’s unresolved past. Agreeing to dig deeper, Anthony begins investigating hospital records from the mid-2000s, pressuring a reluctant administrator into searching for files involving abandoned twins.

What he uncovers changes everything. Anthony discovers that the dates confirm he is the biological father of Zoe’s twins. Even more shockingly, records reveal that the baby girl—believed to have died—was actually revived after Zoe fled the hospital. The child never died at all.

Elsewhere, Jasmine returns to Walford seeking help from Oscar Branning. But her presence quickly causes alarm. When Cindy learns Jasmine is back, she reacts with fury, prompting Ian to call the police. Jasmine is taken in for questioning over the alleged assault on Cindy and is asked whether she has any connection to the Fords. She denies it, instead revealing that she was adopted and has come to Walford in search of her birth mother.

Producing a newspaper clipping, Jasmine drops a bombshell: the woman she’s been searching for is Zoe Slater. The revelation raises terrifying questions. Is Jasmine the child Zoe thought she lost? And could she be the mysterious figure who has been tormenting her biological mother all along?

As these secrets unravel, tragedy strikes elsewhere. Oscar Branning is rushed to hospital, and despite desperate efforts, he dies from his injuries. His death sends shockwaves through the Square, particularly for Max, whose already volatile emotions spiral further out of control. Oscar’s final revelation before his death continues to haunt Max, fueling resentment, guilt, and anger that threaten to consume him.

Looking ahead, EastEnders is preparing for one of its boldest moves yet. The BBC has confirmed a special episode airing on New Year’s Day 2026 that will jump forward in time to events set in 2027—the first full flashforward episode in the show’s history. The episode centers on Max Branning, who finds himself in serious trouble, with consequences that ripple through his entire family.

Multiple storylines will unfold side by side, making 2026 an unmissable year for fans. Buried secrets, fractured relationships, and explosive confrontations are all set to collide. Executive producer Ben Wadey has teased that while the flashforward will raise huge questions about how Max and his loved ones ended up in such dire circumstances, nothing will be as simple as it first appears.

Actors Adam Woodyatt and Michelle Collins have spoken about how challenging it was to film the episode, revealing that they often delivered lines without knowing the wider context. Scenes were shot in isolation, leaving the cast just as much in the dark as viewers—an unusual and frustrating process that mirrors how the story will unfold on screen.

In the lead-up to the flashforward, Max seems determined to alienate everyone around him. On Christmas Day, the Branning and Beale families gather for a joint dinner that quickly turns uncomfortable when Cindy returns. Ian and Peter scramble to keep her away from Max, but tensions soon explode. With emotions already running high after Oscar’s death, secrets spill across the table, plunging the celebration into chaos.

As the new year approaches, the families attempt to set aside their differences for Jimmy’s christening. However, fears about Cindy and Max crossing paths lead Lauren and Peter to decide that Max should no longer be invited. Although Lauren briefly softens after seeing how hurt Max is, Cindy later flatly refuses to attend if Max is present. Her stance becomes irrelevant when Max clashes with Jack and is once again removed from the guest list.

The stage is set for a turbulent future. As New Year’s Day 2027 looms in the flashforward, Max and his family are shown trapped in turmoil, with the full consequences of Oscar’s death, Zoe’s lost child, and Jasmine’s true identity yet to be fully revealed.

EastEnders is building toward a year defined by loss, long-buried truths, and devastating fallout. With Oscar Branning’s death marking a turning point and the past finally catching up with Walford’s most iconic families, one thing is certain—nothing in Albert Square will ever be the same again.