Jim Branning

Name: Jim Branning
First Appeared: 29th April 1996
Last Appeared: 27th January 2014
Played by: John Bardon

Jim Branning, or should we say Basher Branning, was a staple in the drama and chaos that is Albert Square. Born in 1933, in Walford, Jim had quite the legacy even before his dramatic arrival on the show. His father never met his own father, who died in action during the war, setting up a lineage of Brannings with tough lives. Jim had a brother and was known for his boxing prowess, earning the nickname “Basher Branning.” In the 1950s, Jim met Reenie Gardener, and they married in 1959 after she fell pregnant with their first son, Derek Branning. Despite their constant bickering, the couple managed to have six children together: Derek, April, Carol, Suzy, Max, and Jack. Unfortunately, Jim wasn’t exactly father of the year, often absent when his children needed him most, and his relationship with Max, in particular, was nothing short of a horror story.

Jim’s journey in Walford began in 1996, when he made his first appearance at his daughter April’s wedding, which didn’t go as planned. Jim’s racist outburst at Carol’s marriage to Alan Jackson, a Black man, didn’t endear him to many. Fast forward to 1999, Jim moved to Walford for good after Reenie’s death and quickly set his sights on Dot Cotton. Despite initial resistance, Dot softened towards Jim after the tragic death of her grandson, and they eventually began a relationship. Their dynamic was one of the most entertaining in Albert Square, especially when Jim proposed to Dot on the London Eye and they got married in 2002. Jim’s old habits of drinking and gambling continued, much to Dot’s dismay, but she remained a grounding force for him.

Despite his rough edges, Jim showed significant growth over the years. His early racist attitudes mellowed as he formed a close friendship with Patrick Trueman. Jim even came around to accepting his granddaughter Sonia’s lesbian relationship, though his initial reaction was anything but supportive. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Jim’s stubbornness and prejudices often put him at odds with Dot, especially when she took in an illegal immigrant’s baby. Their struggle to care for the child showed a softer side of Jim, who reluctantly agreed to Dot’s decision to hand the baby over to social services.

Jim’s health took a downturn when he suffered a stroke while staying with Carol. This led to Dot admitting him to a nursing home, as she could no longer care for him alone. Jim made occasional visits to Walford, notably on his 75th birthday and during Christmas. Despite his health issues, Jim’s presence continued to be felt in the Square. He communicated through gestures and expressions, creating moments of silent but profound connection, especially with his son Max after the death of Max’s son, Bradley. Jim’s relationship with Dotty Cotton and Jack Branning added layers to his character as he dealt with his own vulnerabilities and the challenges of his family.

In 2014, Jim’s health declined further, and he was eventually taken into permanent care. He passed away in 2015 after suffering a heart attack, leaving his family to grapple with complicated feelings. Despite his many flaws and the pain he caused, Jim’s death hit the Brannings hard. Dot, initially blaming herself, eventually decided to attend his funeral, allowing the family to come together to say their goodbyes.

Jim Branning’s legacy in EastEnders is one of a deeply flawed man who, despite his many mistakes, managed to show moments of humanity and growth, making him a memorable character in the annals of Albert Square.