We reported last month how dodgy Derek Branning was reportedly leaving the award-winning BBC soap, EastEnders, at Christmas, and now it seems that there will be no return for the loathsome character, as cast have been spotted filming what is believed to be his funeral.

Christmas time is never normally a happy place for the residents of Walford (it’s a wonder the still celebrate it to be honest) and this year will be no exception, as a huge Branning family secret will revealed, resulting in not only a whole festive season of heartbreak, but the dramatic exit of villainous Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) from the clan.

Fans of the show will know how Albert Square favourites, Tanya (Jo Joyner) and Max Branning (Jake Wood) are planning to tie the knot for a second time this Christmas, where this huge reported family secret will be uncovered and ruin yet another Branning Christmas.

Already there are seeds being set as to the start of all the trouble, especially regarding Tanya’s hostility toward Max’s brother, Derek, which is all in build up to the big event.

The Daily Star newspaper reported last month that Derek is set to leave the soap during the stories dramatic climax this Christmas period, when his dark past catch up with him, and now reports in the Sun have revealed that his exit is to be final with the character meeting his maker.

A BBC spokesperson commented at the time: “Everyone working on the show is confident viewers will be on the edge of their seats once again over the festive period,” a source told the paper. “It’s going to be a corker.”

And a corker it certainly does appear to be with pictures in the paper today showing the likes of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd), Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) and Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell), all mourning the death of the eldest Branning brother, though there didn’t seem to be any sign of Max or Tanya!

A source told TV Biz: “Derek has been a huge force in the Square since he joined and has had some fantastic storylines but his exit will be his best storyline yet.

“It’s being kept tightly under wraps because bosses want to surprise fans on Christmas Day.”

Watch the moment that Derek first arrived in Albert Square in the clip below:

EastEnders can be seen Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings on BBC1/BBC1 HD.