Derek Branning, played by Terence Beesley in 1996 and Jamie Foreman from 2011 onwards, is the eldest child of Jim Branning (John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham). Derek made his first appearance on 29 April 1996 and departed not long after. The character returned as a regular character on 24 November 2011, played by Foreman. Derek is originally portrayed as a racist and is against his sister Carol (Lindsey Coulson) marrying Alan (Howard Antony). Derek is described as a "charmer" and "proper East-End". In an interview with Daybreak, Foreman said he wants viewers to "like Derek". 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."
Read more about this topic: List Of East Enders Characters (1996)
Famous quotes containing the word derek:
“You must understand. Death must come to all. Sooner to some, later to others.”
—Tom Graeff. Derek (David Love)