Joey Branning

Joey Branning
EastEnders character
Portrayed byDavid Witts
Duration2012–2013
First appearanceEpisode 4448
22 June 2012 (2012-06-22)
Last appearanceEpisode 4771
26 December 2013 (2013-12-26)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byBryan Kirkwood
In-universe information
OccupationBarman
Car salesman
FamilyBranning
FatherDerek Branning
SistersAlice Branning
GrandfathersJim Branning
GrandmothersReenie Branning
UnclesMax Branning
Jack Branning
AuntsCarol Jackson
Suzy Branning
April Branning
First cousinsBianca Jackson
Sonia Fowler
Robbie Jackson
Billie Jackson
Bradley Branning
Lauren Branning
Abi Branning
Oscar Branning
Annie Carter
Penny Branning
Amy Mitchell
Ricky Branning
James Branning
Kevin
Rebecca
Other relativesWhitney Dean (adoptive)
Liam Butcher
Tiffany Butcher
Morgan Butcher
Bex Fowler
Sami Jackson
Louie Beale
Abi Branning
Charli Slater

Joseph "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 sexual 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.