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This winter the Brannings are in for a shock when their eldest brother, Derek, played by Jamie Foreman, comes back into their lives. Arriving in Walford, Derek seizes the opportunity to be king of the family once again but he also has his sights set on being King of the Square.

Derek hasn't been in contact for many years but is he the same destructive and dangerous man he used to be – will his family welcome him back with open arms?

Jamie, star of film, stage and television has been cast to play Derek Branning. He has appeared in numerous productions including Oliver Twist, Nil By Mouth and Gangster No.1.

Speaking of joining EastEnders, Jamie said: "I am hugely excited to be joining such an iconic show. EastEnders is full of fantastic actors so it is a role I couldn't refuse. The Brannings are such a great family to be joining and I am extremely interested to see how Derek is going to fit in."

Bryan Kirkwood, Executive Producer, adds: "Loyal EastEnders viewers may know that the fearsome Derek Branning, eldest son of Jim, has been a shadowy presence looming over the rest of the family for years. So it's a real coup to sign Jamie Foreman to play the biggest, baddest Branning brother. Jamie has an incredible acting pedigree, having starred in some of the best British movies of recent times, and we can't wait for him to bring his unique talents to Walford."

An EastEnders insider adds: "Out of all the Brannings, Derek is the one that most people fear. Although he can be charming he will be the one that can out alpha almost any man in Albert Square, maybe even Phil. He is going to cause a lot of disruption to his family."

Derek Branning will appear on screen this winter.

EastEnders Publicity