The Brannings are back in the spotlight in EastEnders, with Oscar’s fiery arrival, Lauren’s struggles, and Max’s anticipated autumn return reigniting one of the soap’s most iconic family dynasties. But despite the brewing drama, there’s one vital piece missing from the puzzle: Tanya Branning.

Last seen in 2018 at daughter Abi’s heartbreaking funeral, Tanya’s absence is deeply felt — and with tensions soaring in Walford, it’s time for her to make a dramatic comeback.

Oscar’s Turmoil and Tanya’s Absence

Since arriving in Albert Square, Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) has brought chaos, charm, and heartbreak in equal measure. The troubled teen has been clashing with big sister Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa), wreaking havoc on her already fragile life.

Oscar revealed that his mum Tanya kicked him out after he got mixed up with a gang, forcing him to seek refuge with Lauren after his release from youth detention. The fact that Oscar constantly refers to Tanya by her name — rather than “Mum” — suggests a strained, fractured relationship.

But through Moullier’s layered performance, we’ve also seen Oscar’s bravado crumble behind closed doors. Beneath the swagger is a boy still hurting, lost, and desperate for love. And who better to face that pain head-on than Tanya, the lioness matriarch who’s always fought fiercely for her children?

Tanya’s Grief, Guilt, and Untold Story

Tanya’s absence is especially glaring given her grief over Abi’s death. We saw the devastation etched on her face back in 2018, but what we haven’t seen is how she’s processed that trauma in the years since.

Losing a child changes everything — and that unexplored chapter could provide some of the most powerful material EastEnders has tackled in years.

Bringing Tanya back would allow the show to dive deep into:

• Her guilt over pushing Oscar away.

• Her fractured bond with Lauren, who’s been carrying the Branning family burdens alone.

• Her pain over Abi, an unhealed wound that could resurface as Oscar spirals.

This is an opportunity for the writers to add emotional weight to the Branning revival — and deliver a cathartic reunion for fans who’ve missed Jo Joyner’s layered portrayal.

Lauren’s Breaking Point — and Her Need for Tanya

Lauren has been holding her family together while facing struggles of her own. Between raising Louie and baby Jimmy in Dot’s old home, battling a painkiller addiction, and coping with Jimmy’s blindness, her plate is overflowing.

And now, on top of everything, Lauren is dealing with Oscar’s chaos — his rebellion, secrets, and destructive choices.

She needs her mum more than ever. Tanya’s return would give Lauren the support system she desperately lacks, especially as she continues to clash with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who has been relentless in her digs and manipulation. A Tanya vs. Cindy showdown? That’s soap gold waiting to happen.

Max’s Return Sets the Stage

With Max Branning (Jake Wood) returning later this autumn, now is the perfect time to bring Tanya back.

Their complicated history — passion, betrayal, heartbreak — is one of EastEnders’ most iconic love stories, and fans have been waiting years to see these two share the screen again.

Max’s messy track record as a father, coupled with Tanya’s lingering resentment, would set the stage for explosive confrontations. But beyond the fights, there’s a chance for real healing — and potentially a Branning family reunion unlike anything Walford has seen in years.

The Perfect Rivalries & Endless Story Potential

Tanya’s comeback wouldn’t just impact her children and Max — it would shake up the entire Square.

Potential storylines practically write themselves:

• Tanya vs. Cindy Beale → A fiery rivalry over Lauren’s happiness.

• Tanya vs. Jack Branning → Given their past history and his messy entanglements with Stacey, tensions would soar.

• Tanya & Lauren vs. Oscar → A heartfelt battle to save a troubled teen before it’s too late.

• Tanya & Jane Beale Reunion → With Jane and Cindy clashing, Tanya could return to defend her old friend.

This isn’t just a cameo opportunity — this is a chance to give Tanya a powerful arc that ties into multiple storylines across the Square.

Final Thoughts: EastEnders Needs Tanya Now More Than Ever

The Brannings are back, but without Tanya, the family feels incomplete. Jo Joyner has previously said she’d “never say never” to a return, and fans are craving her fiery energy, sharp wit, and emotional depth.

With Oscar spiraling, Lauren overwhelmed, Max back on the scene, and Cindy causing chaos, the stage is perfectly set for Tanya’s epic comeback.

A return wouldn’t just heal family wounds — it would ignite fresh rivalries, deepen long-running feuds, and finally give fans the Branning reunion they’ve been waiting for.