Joey Branning

Last updated

Joey Branning
EastEnders character
Joey Branning.jpg
Portrayed by David Witts
Duration2012–2013
First appearanceEpisode 4448
22 June 2012 (2012-06-22)
Last appearanceEpisode 4771
26 December 2013 (2013-12-26)
Classification Former; regular
Introduced by Bryan Kirkwood
In-universe information
OccupationBarman
Car salesman
Family Branning
Father Derek Branning
Sisters Alice Branning
Grandfathers Jim Branning
Grandmothers Reenie Branning
Uncles Max Branning
Jack Branning
Aunts Carol Jackson
Suzy Branning
April Branning
First cousins Bianca Jackson
Sonia Fowler
Robbie Jackson
Billie Jackson
Bradley Branning
Lauren Branning
Abi Branning
Oscar Branning
Annie Carter
Penny Branning
Amy Mitchell
Ricky Branning
James Branning
Kevin
Rebecca
Other relatives Liam Butcher
Tiffany Butcher
Morgan Butcher
Bex Fowler
Sami Jackson
Louie Beale
Abi Branning
Charli Slater

Joey Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders , played by David Witts. Introduced on 22 June 2012 by producer Bryan Kirkwood, Joey is the estranged son of established character Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) and the brother of Alice Branning (Jasmyn Banks). Joey was featured in storylines such as a problematic relationship with his father due to his absence in his life, and a sexual relationship with his first cousin Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa). Joey and Lauren's relationship was one of the prominent storylines featured throughout 2012 and 2013. He also had relationships with Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater), Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks).

Contents

The character is recognised as one of the sexiest males in the show's history, and Witts won "Sexiest Male" at the Inside Soap Awards as well as being nominated again at The British Soap Awards 2013. Witts also won "Most Popular Newcomer" at the National Television Awards. In October 2013, it was announced that Witts had decided to leave the show. The door was left open for a possible return for the character, and Joey left Albert Square to live with his mother on 26 December 2013.

Storylines

Joey arrives in Walford to persuade his sister, Alice Branning (Jasmyn Banks) to return home. However, Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) is angered by Joey. He punches Derek and then reveals he is his son. He makes it clear he wants nothing to do with Derek, and addresses his father by his name. Later, he meets his cousin Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and takes a liking to her friend Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater). He tricks Derek into giving him money, which he gives to Lucy, as Derek has been stealing money from her. He tries to bring Alice home but she insists she is staying, and Joey accepts work from Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd) as Derek does not like Michael. He then decides to show Alice what Derek is really like, so invites several friends to a family dinner, leading to Derek trying to punch Joey. However, Alice is just angry at Joey for ruining her day. He later helps Lucy when she is being pestered by someone, and they end up kissing. Joey manages to con Derek out of more money for Lucy, and she invites him to stay with her. When Derek gains ownership of the emporium, he gives it to Joey. He later kisses Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), angering her. Lauren notices that Whitney is unhappy around Joey, and Joey admits that he kissed Whitney. Lauren tells Joey he needs to tell Lucy but he insists it was just a kiss. Lucy, Whitney and Lauren decide Joey needs to be taught a lesson so they get Lucy to call Joey to the park and then handcuff him to a gate and leave him, Lauren later returns and frees him but Joey says to her that she's jealous that he kissed Whitney and not her so Lauren slaps him and leaves. Joey later ends his relationship with Lucy, no longer having feelings for her. He later moves in with his uncle Max Branning (Jake Wood) much to Derek's dismay, he then begins a sexual relationship with his cousin Lauren, and they quickly fall in love, Derek finds them kissing and informs Joey, worried he will tell Max they attempt to run away, stealing Derek's car, Lauren had been drinking and crashes the car, Derek saves them, however Joey still has no feelings for him, Joey also takes the blame for the crash, but calls off his relationship with his cousin as Derek threatens to tell the police that Lauren was the real driver. Lauren's mother Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner) discovers the relationship and Derek blackmails her to force Joey to break up with Lauren.

Derek dies of a heart attack, and Joey does not help him. Joey breaks down at the funeral, telling Alice it is his fault. Dot Branning (June Brown) finds Joey and Lauren making out on her sofa, and when Joey is introduced to her as Derek's son, she is horrified and reveals the relationship to the rest of the family. However, they continue their relationship with the approval of Lauren's parents. In a fit of jealousy, Lucy spikes Lauren's drink and Joey breaks up with Lauren, leaving her distraught. Lauren later leaves Walford with her mother and brother to go to a clinic to get over her alcoholism. When Lauren returns, she finds out that Joey had sex with Whitney. Joey and Lauren decide to still be friends, though Joey is jealous when he finds out that Lauren is seeing another man.

Joey becomes increasingly concerned about his sister Alice, and the way she is involved in a bitter custody feud between Michael and his wife Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). After Alice is imprisoned for Michael's murder, she tells Joey that she only killed Michael to stop him killing Janine. Joey tries to get Janine to change her statement to confirm this, but Janine refuses, claiming Alice is a murderer. Later Joey tells Janine that he believes her and when Joey comforts Janine over her loss this leads to them having sex. Janine ends the relationship when she realises Joey is just trying to get her to admit she killed Michael and Alice did not. Alice pleads guilty to the murder but Janine is arrested after Joey gives the police a tape recording of Janine admitting that she killed Michael. Joey speaks to Alice's solicitor, who confirms she will not be released because of her plea. Having nothing to stay for, Joey leaves to live with his mother. He asks Lauren to come with him, admitting that he still loves her, but Lauren decides to stay. Joey is heartbroken but agrees with Lauren when she tells him that their relationship was never right. Joey leaves after telling Lauren to make sure things always go her way.

Creation and development

Introduction

The character of Joey Branning and his casting was announced on 9 May 2012. David Witts was chosen to play Joey, the son of established character Derek Branning, played by Jamie Foreman. Speaking of his casting, Witts said, "I am delighted to be joining EastEnders after being a fan for so many years. Joining the Branning family couldn't have come at a better time especially after the recent British Soap Award wins." Executive producer Lorraine Newman went on to say, "Joey is a fantastic addition to the Branning family. After an explosive entrance onto the Square, he is set to break a few hearts as he campaigns to bring Derek down." [1]

The character's arrival meant that Derek would have to "face up to his past", and that Joey was eager to show his sister, Alice, what her father was really like. Joey was billed as "charming" but also "prides himself on telling it how it is, but is in fact a compulsive liar". The character was also easily able to attract girls, but likes to make them feel as though they made the first move – even if he has nudged them into it. [2]

Characterisation

Joey has been described as "Charming, good-looking, and a compulsive liar." [3] Upon being asked how he would describe his character, Witts commented, "Joey is a great character to play. He's actually a weird one to describe, because he's so different to everyone that he comes into contact with! Obviously his relationship with Derek is going to be very volatile and there's a lot of resentment there. Joey can be very dark, too – not that he would admit it! [...] There are definitely some parallels between him and Derek, which are really interesting to explore. But there's a lot more to him than that, which is why I'm really enjoying portraying him. He's also a bit of a lothario, and when it comes to his family, he's very protective towards Alice. So depending on who you are when you meet Joey, you can get a number of different responses from him." [4]

Vicky Prior of Metro News described Joey as an "oddity" in Albert Square. She added, "His father resembled a frog auditioning for a film about the Krays. His Uncle Max is lanky, ginger and balding, yet still a devil with the ladies. But Joey defied genetics and arrived on screen to adulation worthy of a One Direction band member." Upon his exit in 2013, she said, "While Joey will be remembered for his physique, he has been an excellent character, with just the right amount of hardman swagger to offset his sweeter, romantic side." [5]

In an interview with Digital Spy in 2013, Witts said, "I think I've been really lucky to have some big, big storylines. A lot of characters come in and stay in the background for a long time, but with Joey, I was lucky enough to come in and really get some good stuff. I'm really pleased with the scenes I've done with Jacqueline [Jossa] and I was very proud of how it played out. Before the Joey and Lauren storyline started, I think people had heard about the 'kissing cousins' and had a lot of reservations about it. But I was really pleased to see that once Joey and Lauren's relationship ended after the car crash, people had changed their minds and said, 'Well actually, they're so good together that we want them to get back together!' I was also really pleased with the aftermath of Derek's death. It was nice to show a vulnerable side to Joey, which usually isn't there." [6]

Relationship with Lauren Branning

In September 2012, a storyline surfaced where Lauren Branning would fall for her cousin, Joey. Over the next few weeks, Lauren would realise that she had feelings for her cousin, and would be forced to confront her feelings. An insider for EastEnders told the Daily Star , "This is going to be a huge storyline across the autumn [...] the more time they spend together the more they start to realise their feelings for each other are not just that of cousins." [7] Daniel Kilkelly later revealed that Lauren and Joey will be in a "horrifying" car crash. [8] Filming for scenes begun on 10 September and is thought that the on-location filming will continue through the week. [8] An insider commented "Everyone is really excited about these scenes. It's going to be a huge storyline for us in a few weeks' time, so it's definitely one for the fans to watch out for." [8] The storyline will reportedly air in November 2012 and is said to be one of the show's biggest moments of the year. [8]

Lauren is later dumped by Joey after Derek blackmails him. [9] Witts said that Joey will find life "really hard" after dumping Lauren. [10] Derek suggests to Joey that if he tells the police that he was driving the car that drunken Lauren crashed, she can avoid a prison sentence. [10] Joey agrees to the deception to help Lauren but is later horrified when Derek threatens to tell the police the truth unless he gets his own way. [10] Speaking to Soaplife , Witts said "Joey must either move in with Derek and be a respectful and loving son, or dump Lauren. If Joey takes either of those options, Derek won't tell the police that Lauren was driving the car. Joey's love for Lauren is massive, but not quite as massive as his hatred for Derek. He decides to become the villain and lie that he never loved her. He'll take the flack because that will make it easier for her to move on without him." [10] Witts also added that it will be "really hard" as he keeps making out to Lauren that he is not interested. [10] Witts also said that Joey would be making a mistake if he told Lauren about Derek's blackmail. [10] He commented "She's very headstrong and she'd say that she doesn't care about getting into trouble with the law. It would all end in tears. Everyone would find out as Lauren's the sort of person who'd blurt everything out, and it would cause even more of a mess. Joey very much thinks he's doing the right thing." [10] Tony Discipline said that he does not mind watching Jossa's, his real-life girlfriend's scenes and that he supports the Joey and Lauren plot commenting "I don't find it strange to watch – it is part of the job. We always support each other and Jacqueline always asks me how it looks. But it is part of our job." [11]

Upon being asked what his reaction was to Joey and Lauren's relationship, Witts said, "I was excited about it. From an actor’s point of view you don’t take it personally; you look at it and think this is a situation which is difficult for people but good for me. The more controversial a storyline is, the better for an actor because it’s interesting to play out and to discover what emotions you’d feel." [12]

Other relationships

Upon Joey's arrival in Albert Square, he takes an interest in Lucy Beale. Witts commented, "When Joey joins the Square, he finds out very quickly that Derek is being a real git to Lucy. Joey then becomes quite protective over her, and that’s quite attractive to him because he does like protecting people. Joey also knows that if he’s going to be around Lucy, then it’s going to annoy Derek! [...] On top of all that, there will be a slight attraction between Joey and Lucy, as he can see that she’s a pretty girl. But certainly at the start, it seems as though she’s being used by Joey to annoy Derek." [4]

After Joey dumps Lauren, he begins a relationship with Lucy, who is unaware that he was sleeping with his cousin. As a result, Lauren is heartbroken and extremely jealous.

Whilst Joey and Lucy are dating, he betrays her by kissing Whitney Dean. When Whitney informs Lauren about the kiss, she persuades her to tell Lucy. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy said, "Although Whitney is hoping to forget the mistake ever happened, Lauren convinces her that she should come clean with Lucy rather than deceiving her. Lucy struggles with the news of Joey's betrayal when Whitney confesses what happened, especially as she thought their relationship was getting serious. When Joey later pays a visit to the chip shop, Lucy confronts him and has no time for his excuses. As she tells him that he can find somewhere else to sleep tonight, is it the end of the line for them?". [13]

In October 2012, a revenge plot against Joey is shown in which Lauren, Lucy and Whitney decide to "teach him a lesson". David Brown of Radio Times explained, "The girls are unimpressed by Joey’s carefree attitude towards relationships and come up with a plan to punish him [...] After luring him to the park with a text, Lucy handcuffs Joey to a bar in the playground. And once Lauren and Whitney come into view, he realises he’s been had." Because of the feelings that Lauren had for Joey, she decided to release him later. [14]

When Alice is framed for murder by Janine Butcher, Joey realises that she is the only person who can clear Alice's name. He decides to seduce Janine, and they have a drink together. As Joey comforts Janine after Michael's funeral, they end up sleeping together. Joey realises he has feelings for Janine and has no regrets, hoping to take things further. [15] David Brown of the Radio Times said, "You’d have thought that Joey and Janine wouldn’t be in the mood for passion. After all, Joey’s sister, Alice, is currently languishing in jail for killing Michael – a crime that Janine actually committed!" [16] He went on to add, "After a particularly harrowing prison visit, Joey goes to see Janine with a bottle of wine. As they talk and drink more, Janine breaks down and Joey comforts her. Suddenly the chemistry between them turns to passion, but does Joey have some kind of plan in mind? Whatever his motives, it seems he’s certainly up for more." Their relationship is short-lived, and Joey demands Janine to tell him the truth about Michael's murder. Rachel Lucas of What's on TV explained, "Determined to get the truth out of Janine, Joey corners her in the Vic, demanding she reveal what happened the night Michael died. David drags Joey outside, accusing him of behaving like his bully of a dad. Curious when Joey reveals that Michael tried to kill Janine with sleeping pills, David brings it up with Janine. When she overreacts David realises Joey was telling the truth and comes up with a plan..." [17] The storyline concludes when Alice is found not guilty, however Janine is also found not guilty.

Departure

In January 2013, Witts hinted that he did not want to stay in EastEnders for too much longer. He revealed that he did not want to be an "EastEnders stalwart", and would like to return to theatre later in his career. Witts elaborated: "Not because there's anything wrong with it, but for me acting is a passion and it's about spreading yourself in different areas." He added pessimistically: "I don't know if I'll still be at EastEnders in a year's time but I'll be more than happy if I am." [18]

On 20 October 2013, it was announced that Witts had decided to leave EastEnders as Joey Branning and would depart at Christmas. Joey was set to be featured prominently on-screen for the rest of the year as he gets involved in the climax of his sister Alice's dark storyline with Michael Moon. An EastEnders spokesperson told the Daily Star, "We can confirm that David is leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish him all the best for the future." Speaking of his departure, Witts commented, "They’re leaving the door open for me, which I’m really pleased about." He added, "To be honest, it’s not going to be a massive exit because when you have one of those it’s then very hard for you to come back. So, it’s a nice story that gets me there, but it’s not going to be anything that people will be talking about for years to come!" [19]

Witts told Radio Times "It’s been a really quiet year [...] There have been lots of scenes of me just walking into the café and saying ‘all right’. However, it has started to pick up and get busier in the last couple of months. From Halloween through to Christmas, you'll be seeing a lot more of me." Upon being asked why he had quit the soap, he said, "Eighteen months in, I just thought that now was the right time for me to go. For me, being an actor doesn’t mean just playing one part. I want to go through the process again of picking up a script and working out what I want to do with it." [20] Joey Branning departed on 26 December 2013. [21]

In 2018, Witts expressed an interest in returning to EastEnders as Joey Branning, saying it would be "hard" to turn down the chance. When asked if he would want to return, Witts replied, "Yeah, of course. The interesting thing about EastEnders is, I would need to gain about 10lbs in weight just to do that role again, because I was so much heavier back then [...] EastEnders is an iconic show and it's hugely successful. You absolutely can never kind of pooh-pooh that idea of going back to something so successful." [22] However, Witts also told Digital Spy, "That being said, I can't imagine they'll ask, though. I think everyone's dead in my family, aren't they? So if EastEnders ever wanted me to pop back for a bit, then I'd absolutely think about that. But I just can't imagine they will, because I don't think there's anyone there in terms of a story that would bring Joey back." [23]

Reception

Witts was very pleased with Joey's storylines, and he proved popular with fans. Witts won the award for 'Most Popular Newcomer' for his portrayal of Joey at the National Television Awards 2013. [24] He also won 'Sexiest Male' at the Inside Soap Awards and was nominated again for 'Sexiest Male' at the British Soap Awards in 2013. Upon being asked how he felt about running for 'Most Popular Newcomer', Witts commented, "I'm absolutely thrilled! It's not something that I'd thought about before it happened, but obviously now that I've made the shortlist, I'm over the moon. To think that anyone has watched me and liked my work makes me really pleased." [6]

Witts often felt uncomfortable about being dubbed as a soap pin-up. During an interview with Digital Spy in 2013, Witts commented, "I’m not very comfortable with it. It’s something that I’ve never been considered as before the show so it’s very, very odd and the idea of a ‘sex symbol’ is an uncomfortable phrase. It's one thing to say someone is nice looking but to describe them as ‘sexy’ or a ‘sex symbol’ I find something a bit seedy about it." [5] He also admitted to being "surprised" to win 'Sexiest Male' at the Inside Soap Awards, teling Digital Spy "I think it's utterly ridiculous and I disagree with the decision entirely! [...] But it's hilarious because I've never been considered sexy in my life – probably not even by my girlfriend." [25]

Gay Times said of the character: "[David Witts] plays Joey Branning. A quick Google on that shows the script writers are already making him take his clothes off. Bravo EastEnders script writers!" [26] Heat called Witts one of their "TV hunks", saying, "The more evil Joey Branning gets, the more we swoon." [27] Inside Soap called Joey "the very definition of a soap bad boy" due to his good looks and charisma, the fact he has been damaged by his past and his success with women. [28]

Reflecting back at his time on EastEnders, Witts opened up and admitted that he struggled with all the fan attention that came with the role. "You can't go anywhere without people rushing up to you and wanting to take pictures and stuff and that's just so strange", he told Digital Spy. He went on to say, "When I look back on it, it was a really short amount of time, but it felt like I was in it for ages [...] I never anticipated doing it for very long and also I was so young. I was 21 years old and at that age I wanted to do so many different things. Maybe had I got that opportunity at a different age, my time would have been slightly different." [29]

Nonetheless, Witts enjoyed his time on the soap. He told Digital Spy, "I look back on it now with such fondness. At the time, it all came and went in such a blur. Because first of all, I was terrified all the time. I spent a year and a half scared. I eventually learned how to navigate that world, but the soap world is unlike anything you'll ever see, really. It's very specific within the industry [...] I'm so proud of doing the work on there and having that little bit of success. But I guess at the time, it was just a crazy whirlwind. In some ways, I wish I had been a little bit older when having that experience, so that I could really fully appreciate it and soak it up, rather than just being terrified all the time!" [23]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janine Butcher</span> Fictional character from EastEnders

Janine Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, introduced in 1989. The character was played by Rebecca Michael from 1989 to 1993, Alexia Demetriou from 1993 to 1996, and Charlie Brooks from 1999 to 2022. Brooks initially departed on 7 May 2004. She returned for a three episode guest stint in April 2008 before returning permanently on 18 December of that year. Brooks later took a break from September 2012 until April 2013, then departed again on 20 March 2014. In April 2021, it was announced that Brooks would reprise the role once again and return later in the year. She returned on 6 September 2021. It was announced on 24 September 2022 that Brooks had only agreed to reprise the role for 12 months and would depart again at the conclusion of her storyline, with her final scenes airing on 26 December 2022. The character has been described as a "super-bitch" and a "classic villainess". She has proven popular with critics and fans of the show. Her storylines typically involve her in an antagonistic role. She has been married five times: to Barry Evans whom she killed on New Year's Day 2004, David, Ryan Malloy, Michael Moon and Mick Carter. Her feuds include a long-standing conflict with former stepmothers Pat Butcher and Peggy Mitchell, Sonia Fowler, Lynne Hobbs, Laura Beale, Kat Slater, Zoe Slater, Stacey Slater, Sharon Watts and Linda Carter. Her initial departure saw Janine being wrongfully charged for the death of Laura Beale. Upon her return, Janine is caught forging a wedding to a wealthy, old-age pensioner, that ends with her new husband abruptly dying of a fatal heart attack upon discovering her false identity. She later accidentally kills local resident Danielle Jones by running her down in her car; conspires with Peggy's husband Archie to defraud the Mitchell family from their ownership of The Queen Victoria public house; and becomes a prime suspect in Archie's murder investigation. Janine later becomes involved in a love triangle with her third husband Ryan and his baby's mother, Stacey. All of this results in Janine framing Stacey for her attempted murder and also attempting to kill Ryan by poisoning him. Janine later gives birth to a daughter, Scarlett, with her fourth husband Michael, and they become embroiled in a custody battle over Scarlett, which leads to Janine murdering Michael, leading to her third departure from the show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Wicks</span> UK soap opera character, created 1993

David Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC TV soap opera EastEnders, played by Michael French. David originally appeared from 23 December 1993 to 21 November 1996. He returned to the show on 1 January 2012 and departed two weeks later on 13 January. French returned to the role on 26 September 2013. David has been involved in various storylines, such as his troubled and dysfunctional reconciliation with his biological children Bianca Jackson and Joe Wicks, —his volatile and equally dysfunctional relationship with his mother Pat Butcher, an affair with his sister-in-law Cindy Beale, reuniting with Carol Jackson and struggling to cope with her diagnosis of breast cancer. On 17 May 2014, it was announced that French had once again decided to leave the show. David last appeared on 30 May 2014, after his relationship with Carol broke down.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Max Branning</span> Fictional character from EastEnders

Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jake Wood. He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006. Wood took a four-month break from the show in 2011 and the character was absent between August and November 2011. Wood took a year long break from the show in 2015, with Max departing on 1 October. He returned on 24 December 2016. Wood took another short break from the show in 2018; Max departed on 16 February and returned on 23 April. It was announced in 2018 that Max would be taking a break from the soap in early 2019. He left on 14 February 2019 and returned on 7 May 2019. Max served as the show's main antagonist of 2017 following his release from prison and planning revenge on all his family, friends and neighbours. On 16 September 2020, it was announced that Wood would be departing from the role of Max after more than 14 years. Wood's final scenes aired on 19 February 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tanya Branning</span> Fictional character in BBC soap opera EastEnders

Tanya Cross is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. Joyner left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity leave. After a guest appearance, Tanya eventually returned on 27 September 2010. On 1 April 2013, it was announced that Joyner would be departing the role and she made her final appearance on 28 June 2013. Tanya returned in February 2015 for two episodes as part of the show's 30th anniversary celebrations. She later reprised the role again in 2017 for four episodes, appearing between 25 December 2017 and 16 February 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abi Branning</span> Fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders

Abi Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lorna Fitzgerald. She was introduced by executive producer Kate Harwood on 3 July 2006 as an extension to the Branning family, along with father Max, mother Tanya Branning and older sister Lauren Branning. Her storylines involve her friendships and relationships with Ben Mitchell and Jay Brown, her toxic friendship with Babe Smith, faking a pregnancy so that Ben would not leave her for Paul Coker, being a suspect in the murder of Lucy Beale, her affair with Lauren's fiancé, Steven Beale, and falling pregnant by him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauren Branning</span> UK soap opera character, created 2006

Lauren Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. The role was originated by Madeline Duggan, who first appeared on 3 July 2006. Duggan played the role for four years until her exit on 23 June 2010. Three months later, on 27 September 2010, the role was recast to new actress, Jacqueline Jossa. In August 2014, Jossa announced that she was expecting her first child. In December 2014, Jossa filmed her final scenes prior to taking maternity leave, which aired on 24 February 2015, following the show's 30th anniversary celebrations. She returned temporarily on 14 September 2015 for her father's murder trial before departing again on 2 October 2015. Lauren made a permanent return on 27 May 2016. In September 2017, it was announced that Jossa and Lorna Fitzgerald, who plays Lauren's sister Abi, had been axed by executive consultant John Yorke. Jossa finished filming with the show on 11 January 2018, and Lauren departed on 16 February 2018. Lauren returned to the show on 12 December 2022 for the funeral of her step-grandmother Dot Cotton before departing again in the following episode. Lauren made an unannounced appearance alongside Peter Beale during the episode broadcast on 22 June 2023. On 30 September 2023, it was announced Jossa will return to the role permanently in the New Year. Lauren’s return scenes aired on 1 January 2024.

The Branning family, together with the Jackson family are a fictional, extended family in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Introduced in 1993 were the Jackson family, consisting of Carol Jackson, her partner and later husband Alan Jackson, and Carol's four children, Bianca Jackson, Sonia Jackson, Robbie Jackson, and Billie Jackson ; he is the only child fathered by Alan. The family becomes a more dominating presence in 1999, when Carol's father Jim Branning moves to Walford following the death of his wife Reenie due to cancer. Since then, all six of Jim's children have appeared, many of them with their own families.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitney Dean</span> Fictional character from EastEnders

Whitney Dean is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Shona McGarty. The character is the ward of long-running character Bianca Jackson and was introduced on 1 April 2008 when Palmer returned to the series after a nine-year absence. Whitney is described by executive producer Diederick Santer as both an equal to, and younger version of Bianca, and is the oldest of Bianca's four children. Whitney was absent from the soap across four weeks in 2012 when McGarty was suspended for repeated lateness. McGarty took a short break in 2017 and Whitney departed on 29 May and returned on 31 July of that year. On 1 June 2018, McGarty filmed her 1,000th episode as Whitney. On 29 July 2023, it was announced that McGarty had resigned from her role after fifteen years, and Whitney would be leaving the soap in early 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucy Beale</span> UK soap opera character, created 1993

Lucy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. The character was played by Eva Brittin-Snell, Casey Anne Rothery, Melissa Suffield, and Hetti Bywater. Lucy was introduced in December 1993 as the baby daughter of Ian and Cindy Beale. She was the twin sister of Peter Beale, and had three half siblings, older brother Steven Beale, younger sister Cindy Williams and younger brother Bobby Beale.

Michael Moon (<i>EastEnders</i>) UK soap opera character, created 2010

Michael Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve John Shepherd. The character is a second cousin once removed of Alfie Moon, and first appears on 1 October 2010 after Alfie's return. He is also the father to Tommy Moon, whose mother is Alfie's wife Kat Moon. Michael is later joined by his father Eddie Moon and half brothers Tyler Moon and Anthony Moon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Moon</span> UK soap opera character, created 2011

Anthony Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Matt Lapinskas. He was introduced on 25 July 2011 as an extension to the Moon family. The son of Eddie Moon, half brother of Michael Moon and brother of Tyler Moon, his storylines have focused on the friendship between him and Tyler, and his relationships with Poppy Meadow, Jodie Gold, Amira Masood and Alice Branning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greg Jessop</span> UK soap opera character, created 2010

Greg Jessop is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Stefan Booth. He is introduced as the fiancé of Tanya Branning, and first appeared on screen on 1 October 2010 to work on the reconstruction of The Queen Victoria public house. On 15 April 2011, Greg and Tanya wed, just before hearing that Tanya's ex-husband Max and their daughter Abi have been involved in a car accident. Joyner has warned that Tanya could break Greg's heart. In June 2011, it was announced that Booth was leaving the soap at the end of his storyline, and Greg left on 12 August 2011. Booth confirmed that Greg will return. He returned for a single episode on 21 October 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyler Moon</span> UK soap opera character, created 2011

Tyler Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tony Discipline. Tyler is the son of Eddie Moon, half brother of Michael and Craig Moon, brother of Anthony Moon and cousin of Alfie Moon. He made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 27 June 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poppy Meadow</span> UK soap opera character, created 2011

Poppy Meadow is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Rachel Bright. She was introduced by executive producer Bryan Kirkwood on 11 January 2011 as the best friend of established character Jodie Gold in scenes filling in for those cut from a controversial baby-swap storyline. Poppy returned to the series in June 2011 as a supporting character and comedy element, in a move that was generally welcomed by the tabloid press; her storylines focused on her friendship with Jodie and their intertwined love lives. Both Jodie and Poppy left the series on 14 November 2011, but the possibility was left open for Poppy to return in the future. In June 2012 Bright reprised her role as Poppy, moving into Walford and resuming her employment at the local beauty salon, this time as a regular character. Poppy's storylines became more prominent, including a romantic relationship with Fatboy. The character was axed in September 2013 by new executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins, and Poppy departed on 30 January 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derek Branning</span> UK soap opera character, created 1996

Derek Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Terence Beesley in 1996 and then Jamie Foreman from 2011 to 2012. Derek is the eldest child of Jim Branning and Reenie Branning. He first appears in episode 1282, which was first broadcast in the United Kingdom on 29 April 1996, for his sister April Branning's wedding and departed on 2 May. The character returned as a regular in the episode broadcast on 24 November 2011, played by Foreman. In October 2012, it was announced that Foreman would be leaving EastEnders in December 2012 as part of a Christmas storyline. On 20 December 2012, it is revealed that Derek was the person who Kat Moon had an affair with. The character died of a heart attack in the episode broadcast on 25 December 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ray Dixon</span> UK soap opera character, created 2012

Ray Dixon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Chucky Venn. Ray is an ex-partner of character Bianca Butcher and the father of her son Morgan Butcher. He made his first on screen appearance on 10 January 2012. His storylines have involved meeting and getting to know Morgan, a relationship with Kim Fox and starting a youth mentoring scheme. On 16 April 2013 it was announced that Venn had been written out of the show, and departed on 28 May 2013. He appeared in 107 episodes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alice Branning</span> UK soap opera character, created 2012

Alice Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jasmyn Banks. Alice is the daughter of Derek Branning. She made her first appearance on 10 May 2012. The character and casting was announced on 14 April 2012 with executive producer Lorraine Newman stating that Alice will allow the audience to see a softer side to Derek. Banks also stated that Alice will allow viewers to see a "lovely" side to Derek. The Daily Mirror praised the character for revealing herself as Derek's daughter on her first appearance, comparing her to Danielle Jones after she kept her identity to her mother Ronnie Mitchell a secret for months and then dying minutes after revealing herself. Another critic from the Daily Mirror said that Alice has had a "colossal impact" on Derek. In September 2013, it was announced that Banks would be leaving the show as part of Michael Moon's exit storyline. She departed on 24 December 2013, after being wrongly arrested for Michael's murder.

In July 2012, a storyline began in the British soap opera EastEnders in which the character Kat Moon, played by Jessie Wallace, embarks on an affair behind her husband Alfie Moon's back, with an unknown person. The suspects named were Ray Dixon, Michael Moon, Max Branning, Derek Branning and Jack Branning. Ray was the first suspect to be eliminated, on 7 August, followed by Michael on 14 September. The mystery man was revealed as Derek in the 20 December episode. Richie dubbed the storyline "Who's Been Sleeping with Kat?", while critics referred to it is "the who-copped-off-with-Kat saga", "Who Banged Kat?", "Who Shagged Kat?" and the "Kat Mystery Lover storyline".

David Peter S. Witts is a British actor and model, best known for his portrayal of Joey Branning in the British television soap opera, EastEnders, in which he appeared from 2012 to 2013.

References

  1. ↑ "Say hello to Joey Branning". BBC News . 10 May 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  2. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (9 May 2012). "EastEnders casts Derek Branning's son Joey". Digital Spy . Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  3. ↑ "BBC One – EastEnders – Joey Branning" . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  4. 1 2 Kilkelly, Daniel (18 June 2012). "EastEnders David Witts teases Joey Branning role – interview". Digital Spy . Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  5. 1 2 Prior, Vicky (22 October 2013). "EastEnders: What will fans do when Joey Branning, played by David Witts, quits?". Metro . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  6. 1 2 "EastEnders David Witts talks awards and Joey Branning future". Digital Spy . 17 January 2013. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  7. ↑ Rowley, Alison (9 September 2012). "EastEndersLauren Branning falls for cousin Joey". Digital Spy . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Kilkelly, Daniel (11 September 2012). "'EastEnders' car crash details revealed". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  9. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (20 November 2012). "Lauren and Joey face terrible danger". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Kilkelly, Daniel (21 November 2012). "'EastEnders' David Witts: 'It's hard for Joey to dump Lauren'". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  11. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (12 December 2012). "'EastEnders' Tony Discipline: 'I support Lauren, Joey plot'". Digital Spy . Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 14 January 2013.
  12. ↑ Duncan, Amy (22 January 2013). "A week with... EastEnders: David Witts on being a sex symbol, life after the soap and what's in store for Lauren and Joey". Metro . Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  13. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (24 October 2012). "EastEnders Lucy shocked by Joey's betrayal". Digital Spy . Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  14. ↑ Brown, David (26 October 2012). "EastEnders spoilers: Are Lauren and Joey getting close?". Radio Times . Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  15. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (12 November 2013). "EastEnders Janine and Joey's shock passion". Digital Spy . Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  16. ↑ Brown, David (11 November 2013). "EastEnders spoilers: Joey Branning and Janine Butcher get passionate". Radio Times . Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  17. ↑ Lucas, Rachel (16 November 2013). "Joey demands the truth from Janine". What's on TV . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  18. ↑ Millar, Paul (22 January 2013). "David Witts: 'I don't want to be EastEnders stalwart'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  19. ↑ Brown, David (21 October 2013). "EastEnders David Witts to leave Joey Branning role". Digital Spy . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  20. ↑ Brown, David (21 October 2013). "EastEnders spoilers: David Witts reveals details of Joey Branning's exit". Radio Times . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  21. ↑ "BBC One- EastEastenders: Joey Branning character profile". BBC .
  22. ↑ "EastEnders Branning favourite eyeing up return to Walford". Entertainment Daily. 1 October 2018. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  23. 1 2 Kilkelly, Daniel (30 September 2018). "Former EastEnders star David Witts reveals all on Wicked role and his Joey Branning memories". Digital Spy . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  24. ↑ "National Television Awards 2013: All The Winners Including Ant And Dec, 'Coronation Street's Alan Halsall, Miranda Hart". The Huffington Post UK . AOL UK. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  25. ↑ Curtis, Beth (25 September 2012). "EastEnders star David Witts: "I'm not Sexiest Male"". Digital Spy . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  26. ↑ "Cor blimey!". Gay Times . Millivres Prowler (410): 8–9. September 2012.
  27. ↑ "Our TV Hunks of the Week". Heat (698): 106. 22–28 September 2012.
  28. ↑ White, Kate (27 October – 2 November 2012). "Lauren's going to bring out a whole new side of Joey!". Inside Soap . 2012 (43): 36–37.
  29. ↑ Warner, Sam (31 October 2018). "Former EastEnders star David Witts struggled with fan attention". Digital Spy . Retrieved 29 September 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.