TV, film and stage star Jamie Foreman has joined the cast of Eastenders to play Derek Branning.
There’s another Branning brother on the way to the Square and as this is soapland you can be sure his younger siblings will not be happy about his arrival. Derek Branning has been a shady presence looming over the family for years and now it is time for him to make himself known to the residents of Walford.
Arriving on the Square, Derek not only sees himself as head of the Branning clan, but also reckons he can easily become top dog in the East End – we’re sure Phil Mitchell will have something to say about that!
Speaking of his casting Forman said: "I am hugely excited to be joining such an iconic show. EastEnders is full of fantastic actors so it is a role I couldn't refuse. The Brannings are such a great family to be joining and I am extremely interested to see how Derek is going to fit in."
EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "Loyal EastEnders viewers may know that the fearsome Derek Branning is the eldest son of Jim. It’s a real coup to sign Jamie Foreman to play the biggest, baddest Branning brother. Jamie has an incredible acting pedigree and we can't wait for him to bring his unique talents to Walford."
An EastEnders insider teased: "Out of all the Brannings, Derek is the one that most people fear. Although he can be charming, he will be the one that can out-alpha almost any man in Albert Square - maybe even Phil. He is going to cause a lot of disruption to his family."
EastEnders fans previously saw Derek on screen for a brief appearance in 1996, with actor Terence Beesley playing the role.
