Joey Branning

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Joey Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap EastEnders. He was played by actor David Witts and introduced on 22 June 2012 by producer Bryan Kirkwood. Joey is the estranged son of Derek Branning and the brother of Alice Branning, making him part of the Branning family.

Personality and traits
Joey is described as charming and good-looking, but also a compulsive liar. He can be romantic and affectionate, yet he has a darker, more manipulative side that can cause trouble for those around him.

Key storylines
- Arrival and family tension: Joey comes to Walford to persuade his sister Alice to return home. He clashes with his father Derek and later reveals that he is Derek’s son.
- Romance with Lauren Branning: Joey forms a complicated relationship with his cousin Lauren Branning. Their romance becomes a major storyline in 2012 and 2013, including a dramatic car crash and Derek’s blackmail, which leads to Lauren dumping him.
- Relationships with Lucy and Whitney: Joey also pursues Lucy Beale, and later has a fling with Whitney Dean. When Lucy discovers Joey’s kiss with Whitney, she and Lauren team up to “teach him a lesson,” culminating in a park scene where Joey is handcuffed and left behind.
- Time with Janine: Joey later sleeps with Janine Butcher, developing real feelings, but their relationship ends when Janine reveals the full truth of Michael Moon’s murder.
- Departure: In 2013, Joey’s storyline winds down as he prepares to leave Albert Square to live with his mother. David Witts announced his departure, and Joey Branning left on 26 December 2013. The actor suggested there could be a return in the future, but nothing concrete happened at the time.

Reception
David Witts’s portrayal of Joey Branning proved popular with fans. He won the National Television Award for Most Popular Newcomer in 2013 and received other notable nominations and praise. Witts also spoke about how the attention from fans affected him during his time on the show.

overarching summary
Joey Branning is a charismatic but conflicted character who stirred up a lot of drama in EastEnders from 2012 to 2013. His mix of charm, romantic entanglements, and self-made troubles made him one of the notable Branning family figures on the show, leaving the door open for potential future returns.