Derek will bring conflict, reveals Foreman

EastEnders newcomer Jamie Foreman has revealed some of what the audience can expect as his character Derek Branning settles into Albert Square.

Derek first appeared in a handful of episodes in 1996, portrayed by Terence Beesley, where he caused trouble with his racist attitude and drunken behaviour.  

Derek now returns to Walford next week alongside his younger brother Max (Jake Wood), who has been away from the Square since August.

Speaking to TV Choice about Derek's personality, Foreman revealed:  "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.

"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."

Foreman's first scenes in the role will be on screen next week, as EastEnders airs every night in a special 'Branning Week' of episodes.