What happened to Penny Branning on EastEnders and how is Jack responsible?

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Penny Branning, played by Kitty Castledine, is currently involved in a big EastEnders storyline – she’s expecting a baby with Vinny Panesar (Shiv Jalota).

I’ve always thought Penny Branning was a really dynamic character – a total firecracker! But honestly, the recent episodes have been fascinating. They’ve started showing a softer, more vulnerable side to her, and it’s been really compelling to watch. It adds so much depth!

She told her cousin Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa) that she never expected to become a mother because of her disability. Sadly, Jack made things worse by agreeing with her worries, and they ended up having a deeply emotional conversation about how her injuries changed her life.

Penny first appeared in 2008, but it had been a long time – until she came back in 2024. It’s understandable if you’ve forgotten some of the specifics about her character.

Want to know what’s going on with Penny Branning? We’ll reveal the details of her story, Jack’s involvement, the identity of her mother, and the actress who portrays her on EastEnders.

Penny Branning’s backstory – what happened to her?

Penny Branning is the daughter of Jack and Selina Branning. She shares a sibling relationship with Amy Mitchell, Ricky Branning, and her late brother, James Branning.

Though the character was introduced in 1998, audiences first saw her on screen in 2008, portrayed by actress Mia McKenna-Bruce, who also appeared in Seven Dials and Tracy Beaker Returns. McKenna-Bruce will also be playing Maureen Starkey in an upcoming biopic about The Beatles.

Penny uses a wheelchair because of an accident she had when she was a child. The accident itself wasn’t shown on screen.

While Jack and Selina were a couple, Jack arrested a drug dealer. In retaliation, the dealer intentionally hit Penny with his car.

It left Penny’s spine damaged, and as a result, she needs to use a wheelchair.

I remember when Donna returned to Albert Square in 2008. It was a big deal, and Jack really wanted to make things right with both her and her mum. He took them out for Donna’s birthday, hoping they could reconnect as a family. It felt like a genuine attempt to bridge the gap, you know?

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When he didn’t appear the following morning, Penny was heartbroken. Selina thought it would be best for both of them to start a new life in France, far away from Jack.

Later in the year, Penny came to visit, and things didn’t really click between her and Jack’s girlfriend, Ronnie Mitchell – Samantha Womack played her, by the way. But she did get on really well with Tanya Branning, Jack’s sister-in-law – Jo Joyner was brilliant as her! Penny even thought about staying in Walford and living with Tanya for a while.

However, Jack persuaded her to go back to France and be with her mum.

Penny was referenced a couple of times before reappearing on screen in Paris, now played by a new actress, Kitty Castledine.

Lauren was arrested on New Year’s Day 2024 after being caught selling drugs. It came to light that she had been involved in drug dealing.

Who is Penny Branning’s mum?

Selina Branning is the mother of Penny Branning. She and Jack Branning were married for a decade, from 1997 to 2007, and she was his first wife.

She appeared in just 5 episodes between January and April 2008, and was played by Daisy Beaumont.

Who plays Penny Branning now?

Kitty Castledine has played Penny Branning in 143 episodes of EastEnders since January 2024.

Castledine comes from a well-known family. His mother is Lucy Alexander, the former presenter of the TV show Homes Under the Hammer, and his father, Stewart Castledine, used to play professional football in the Premier League.

Before EastEnders, Castledine had a role in The Break as Katy.

Don’t miss out on EastEnders! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app now for daily TV suggestions, articles, and more.

Authors

Helen DalyDeputy Digital Editor

Helen Daly is TopMob’s Deputy Digital Editor, where she leads new projects and manages commercial work. Before joining TopMob, she was Deputy TV Editor for a national magazine. She holds a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.

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Michael AdamsSoaps Editor

Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at TopMob, providing the latest news and spoilers for popular British soap operas like Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks. Before joining TopMob, he was a Soaps Reporter at Metro for two years and also gained experience working on the sets of Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

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2026-02-24 19:08