Derek Branning

WHO?

Name: Derek Branning
First Appeared: 29th April 1996
Last Appeared: 25th December 2012
Played by: Jamie Foreman

Derek Branning, the man who could start a fight in an empty room, made his grand entrance at his sister April’s wedding in 1996. He and his dad, Jim, wasted no time in showing their disapproval of Carol’s boyfriend, Alan Jackson. Their racist jibes and attempts to split the couple up were classic Derek. When Alan and Carol tied the knot anyway, Derek’s tantrum was legendary. He stormed out of the wedding, only to return later to pick a fight with Alan, which ended with David Wicks giving Derek a taste of his own medicine. Humiliated, Derek slunk off, but not before leaving a lasting impression.

Fast forward to 1999, and Derek’s life was as messy as ever. Jim casually mentioned to Carol that Derek was knee-deep in a divorce. By 2007, Derek had upgraded his living arrangements to a prison cell, missing out on Bradley Branning’s wedding. While behind bars, he made a new friend, Carl White, setting the stage for more drama upon his release. Derek’s criminal record was as long as his arm, with a 10-year stint for armed robbery being the cherry on top.

Derek’s return to Walford in 2011 was nothing short of explosive. He swaggered back into town with Max, immediately causing a stir. His reunion with old flames and foes alike was a spectacle. From rekindling a fling with Rainie Cross to bullying Michael Moon, Derek was back to his old tricks. His feud with Phil Mitchell was a highlight, with Derek declaring war after Phil crushed Jack’s car. Derek’s knack for causing chaos was unmatched, whether it was convincing his nephew to loot a burnt-out B&B or threatening his great-grandmother, Pat, leading to her collapse.

The drama peaked when Derek’s past caught up with him. His threats to David Wicks and violent outbursts kept everyone on edge. Derek’s manipulation of his family, especially his niece Lauren and nephew Joey, showcased his talent for blackmail. His affair with Kat Moon added another layer of scandal, culminating in a Christmas showdown that revealed Max’s secret wife, Kirsty. Derek’s final act of revenge was a masterstroke, but it was his heart that ultimately betrayed him. He collapsed and died on the street, leaving behind a legacy of mayhem.