'EastEnders' Derek will bring conflict, says Jamie Foreman

EastEnders' new recruit Jamie Foreman has revealed details of what fans can expect from his fearsome character Derek Branning.

Derek makes a shock return to Walford for the first time in years in next week's episodes. He arrives alongside his younger brother Max (Jake Wood), who has been away from Albert Square for three months.

EastEnders viewers have not seen Derek on screen since 1996, when Terence Beesley portrayed the role for a short stint.

Discussing Derek's personality, Foreman told TV Choice: "There's always this little undercurrent of, 'This guy isn't who we want around for long', if you see what I mean. Derek's just come back from a 10-year prison sentence for armed robbery. He's a very complicated character, who could either be perceived as a bully or as someone who cares for his family very much."

He continued: "You never quite know where you are with Derek. He took over from Jim as the head of the family when he was 14, while Jim was down the betting shop. Derek was the one who brought the money in and saw his siblings off to school in the morning.

"He sees himself as the father figure and it's hard for him to shake that off, even though they're all grown up. There's a nice conflict there."

EastEnders insiders have previously teased that Derek "can out-alpha almost any man in Albert Square - maybe even Phil".

Derek's return scenes air on EastEnders late next week.

> EastEnders announces Derek Branning casting
> EastEnders' Max to return in huge Branning week
> EastEnders' Derek Branning arrives in Walford - Spoiler Pictures
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