EastEnders villain Derek Branning is tipped to kill himself during the soap's Christmas special, according to betting odds. In a strange turn of events the Albert Square baddie - played by Jamie Foreman - has become the bookmakers' favourite to be his own murderer. Derek is set to be killed off in a series of 'explosive storylines' during the festive period, and although details about his death are being kept under wraps, viewers have been guessing that he would be murdered as he has no shortage of enemies. Derek himself is now the 9/2 favourite to be the one to do the deed, according to bookmakers William Hill. William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly said: "There are a number of storylines unravelling in which Derek could be involved and it may all get too much on Christmas Day." Queen Vic landlord Alfie Moon had previously been the favourite to kill, as Derek is believed by many to be Alfie's wife Kat's secret lover. But Derek's niece Lauren Branning - played by Jacqueline Jossa - is now the second favourite to be his killer, after Derek ruined her relationship with his son, Joey Branning, amid rumours she may discover Derek is her real father. Lauren's mother Tanya is third favourite, followed by Alfie and then her dad Max Branning. Albert Square pensioner Dot Branning is a rank outsider to do the deed with odds of 100/1.
