Joey Branning

Joey Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by David Witts. Introduced on 22 June 2012 by producer Bryan Kirkwood, Joey is the estranged son of established character Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) and the brother of Alice Branning (Jasmyn Banks). Joey was featured in storylines such as a problematic relationship with his father due to his absence in his life, and a relationship with his first cousin Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa). Joey and Lauren's relationship was one of the prominent storylines featured throughout 2012 and 2013. He also had relationships with Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater), Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). The character is recognised as one of the sexiest males in the show's history, and Witts won "Sexiest Male" at the Inside Soap Awards as well as being nominated again at The British Soap Awards 2013. Witts also won "Most Popular Newcomer" at the National Television Awards. In October 2013, it was announced that Witts had decided to leave the show. The door was left open for a possible return for the character, and Joey left Albert Square to live with his mother on 26 December 2013. Storylines Joey arrives in Walford to persuade his sister, Alice Branning (Jasmyn Banks) to return home. However, Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) is angered by Joey. He punches Derek and then reveals he is his son. He makes it clear he wants nothing to do with Derek. Later, he meets his cousin Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and takes a liking to her friend Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater). He tricks Derek into giving him money, which he gives to Lucy, as Derek has been stealing money from her. He tries to bring Alice home but she insists she is staying, and Joey accepts work from Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd) as Derek does not like Michael. He then decides to show Alice what Derek is really like, so invites several friends to a family dinner, leading to Derek trying to punch Joey. However, Alice is just angry at Joey for ruining her day. He later helps Lucy when she is being pestered by someone, and they end up kissing. Joey manages to con Derek out of more money for Lucy, and she invites him to stay with her. When Derek gains ownership of the emporium, he gives it to Joey. He later kisses Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), angering her. Joey's cousin, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), notices that Whitney is unhappy around Joey, and Joey admits that he kissed Whitney.