EastEnders delivered another bombshell in its latest BBC iPlayer release, as Jack Branning uncovered the truth about Patrick Trueman’s attacker. His discovery left him reeling when Oscar Branning confessed in shocking scenes that are set to rock Albert Square.
Oscar’s Desperate Burglary
Teenager Oscar Branning has been struggling since his release from juvenile detention. In a desperate attempt to pay off an old associate threatening his family, he broke into Patrick Trueman’s house to steal his betting winnings.
The plan backfired when Patrick unexpectedly returned home. A scuffle broke out, ending with Patrick hitting his head on the floor and losing consciousness.
Though Patrick recovered physically and was able to return home after a few days in hospital, the incident left deep emotional scars. He has since battled severe anxiety following the break-in.
The Fallout of Oscar’s Actions
Oscar’s troubles didn’t end there. His involvement with dangerous figures has left him paranoid and on edge. At one point, he was so frightened of being targeted again that he armed himself with a knife.
In a state of panic, he pulled the weapon on Peter Beale, leaving those around him deeply concerned about his spiraling behaviour.
Meanwhile, Oscar has tried to ease his guilt by spending time with Patrick. But his attempts at redemption have created friction with Howie Danes, who knows the truth about the attack.
Howie’s Leverage
Viewers already know that Howie discovered evidence linking Oscar to the assault. Rather than go straight to the police, he blackmailed both Oscar and Lauren Branning to keep his silence.
This secret created further tension, with Howie clashing publicly with Oscar at Patrick’s stag do. Jack, witnessing the conflict, became increasingly determined to get answers.
Lauren’s Half-Truth
When Jack questioned Lauren about the growing hostility between Oscar and Howie, she tried to play down the situation. She told Jack that Oscar was struggling to adjust after time in juvenile detention and admitted he had once panicked with a knife.
However, she deliberately omitted the most damning part of the truth — Oscar’s role in Patrick’s assault.
Believing Lauren had told Jack everything, Oscar later spoke candidly to his uncle. But in doing so, he unwittingly admitted to being Patrick’s attacker.
Jack’s Furious Reaction
The confession hit Jack like a lightning bolt. In a matter of seconds, he cycled through confusion, horror, and uncontrollable rage.
Patrick’s injuries, Oscar’s knife incident with Peter, and the constant tension in the Branning household all suddenly made sense. But Jack was left facing an agonising decision: protect his nephew, or turn him in for his actions.
What Happens Next?
Oscar’s slip of the tongue has now blown the secret wide open. Jack knows the full truth — and his fury suggests he won’t keep quiet for long.
But with family loyalties on one side and Patrick’s trauma on the other, Jack’s next move could change everything for the Brannings. Will he shield Oscar out of love, or will he hand him over to the authorities in search of justice?