EastEnders fans are in mourning after it was announced that Pierre Counihan-Moullier, who plays Oscar Branning, will be leaving the BBC soap next year. The actor's exit has sparked fears of a crisis among viewers, who have taken to social media to express their disappointment.
Oscar Branning's rise to fan favourite
Since arriving on Albert Square fresh out of juvenile detention, Oscar has become a fan favourite, with Pierre's comic timing and unique delivery earning him widespread praise. His relationships with dad Max (Jake Wood), sister Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa), and even eternal enemy Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) have made him an integral part of the Branning revival.
Fans have been quick to voice their upset over the news. Michaela Harris said on the Metro Soaps Facebook page: 'Noooo! Oscar is brilliant! He brings much needed comedy to the show', while Rachel Stevens agreed: 'No, not Oscar! He's hilarious! He brings another dimension to the show, I love him'.
Fans react to the exit
Mary Murphy added: 'Nooooo, Oscar is a hilarious character, every scene he's in has the comedy factor, which Eastenders needs, he's gonna be missed big time'. Corinne Winwood said: 'He's a breath of fresh air! Stupid letting him go, but he's had no decent storylines for ages. It's all getting weird again'.
Sharon Isaacson commented: 'Hardly had much screen time recently so I'm not surprised he's leaving he is a great character actor and deserves better.' Oscar's last major storyline, a love triangle with twins Jasmine Fisher and Josh Goodwin (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness and Joshua Vaughan), failed to live up to its promised controversy.
Concerns over a mass exodus
The exit comes amid a string of departures from the soap, including Kellie Bright and Aaron Thiara. Some fans are theorising about behind-the-scenes issues. Ryan Norman said: 'Something is going on at EastEnders and they're struggling to hide it. So many good actors and characters being either axed or leaving.'
Donna Predergrast added: 'what is happening… Ravi, Linda, Johnny leaving, Zoe being killed off… Kat and Alfie both taking a break… There's gonna be no1 left on square at this rate'. Tim Kemp suggested: 'That's a real shame but why are so many leaving it's very strange to have such a mass exodus I think they need to be doing some exit interviews here'.
