Alice Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jasmyn Banks. Alice is the daughter of Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman). She made her first appearance on 10 May 2012. The character and casting was announced on 14 April 2012 with executive producer Lorraine Newman stating that Alice will allow the audience to see a softer side to Derek. Banks also stated that Alice will allow viewers to see a "lovely" side to Derek. The Daily Mirror praised the character for revealing herself as Derek's daughter on her first appearance, comparing her to Danielle Jones (Lauren Crace) after she kept her identity to her mother Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) a secret for months and then dying minutes after revealing herself. Another critic from the Daily Mirror said that Alice has had a "colossal impact" on Derek. In September 2013, it was announced that Banks would be leaving the show as part of Michael Moon's (Steve John Shepherd) exit storyline. She departed on 24 December 2013, after being wrongly arrested for Michael's murder.

The character and casting were announced on 14 April 2012. Of her role in the soap, Banks said, "I've been a fan of EastEnders forever and am thrilled to be cast as a Branning. It's such a privilege to be working alongside Jamie [Foreman] and I can't wait to find out what's in store for Alice." Alice has been brought up by her overprotective mother and elder brother, Joey (David Witts). Alice decides to search for her father and arrives in the show's setting of Walford to meet him and get some answers. Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy said, "Ever the optimist, nice girl Alice is eager and excited to meet Derek [...] but whether she'll be pleased by what she finds remains to be seen." Banks said that she was "thrilled" when she found out she secured the part of Alice. She commented: "I was working in a bar when they called to say I got the part," she commented. "I've always been a fan of the show and I'm pleased to be joining such a great family." Alice made her first on-screen appearance on 10 May 2012.

Alice was described as Derek's "precious daughter" and "shy". Banks said in May 2013 that she is a lot "wilder" than Alice saying "I don't see much of myself in Alice. I'm passionate as a person, not mouthy but I would stand up for myself." Banks also added that she feels like telling Alice to "stop being so wet".

Alice brings out the best in people. If she was to describe herself she'd probably choose the word 'average' – average looks, average intelligence. But Alice undersells herself. She's funny and resourceful and though she might seem like a pushover, she can stand up for herself when she needs to. Plus, there's nothing average about the family she comes from. Her father's name was dirt while she was growing up with her over-protective mother and older brother Joey. She's an optimist, and looks for the good in people.

— Description of Alice Branning from the EastEnders website (2012)

Banks said that viewers will see a "lovely" side of Derek when Alice arrives in Walford. She added that Derek wants to have a relationship with Alice, making her thing she is a nice guy while covering up his dark past. Banks said: "She makes him work to be part of her life, though. He has a lot to do to prove himself." Discussing the rest of the Branning family, Banks said: "She has no idea they even exist! They're an added bonus. It's a lot to take in – she gets to Walford and suddenly discovers there's this huge family she's a part of." Banks later added: "Jamie has made it his mission to look after me. On my very first day here, there was a big cast meeting and every single actor was there. I was both terrified and star-struck, but Jamie sat next to me and made sure that I was okay. I've already learned so much from him – he's amazing."

Asked whether there is a possibility of meeting Alice's and Joey's mother, David Witts said there is no word of it but later said it would be "quite nice" adding that there is another dynamic to be had if you are to introduce the mother. Witts continued "If it happens, I think it'd be interesting to explore that relationship. I'm sure that relationship will be something completely different to what we've seen before. The most hard-faced people can be really quite soppy with their mothers so it'd be interesting to see, but I have no idea whether it would happen or not!"

It was later announced that EastEnders would be introducing Alice's brother Joey. Banks said she is excited about Joey joining the soap, adding: "There are so many places they can take them all." David Witts, who plays Alice's brother Joey, said that Joey is "very protective" towards Alice. Speaking about Joey's relationship with Alice, Witts said: "It's a lovely relationship between Joey and Alice. The dynamic is quite an unusual one, because Joey became a father figure to his sister at a very young age once he became the man of the house. When you see Alice's scenes with Joey, it's almost like she's talking to her dad because he tells her off every now and then! But there's also a lovely bond between them. Joey can be quite stern towards Alice, but it's only because he cares about her." Witts also expressed delight over the possibility of Alice and Joey's mother being introduced. Witts later added that Joey hopes to convince Alice that Derek is a "really bad guy". A writer for The People said that Alice does not know Derek, but Joey does. The writer also said that Joey is not interested when Alice tries to bring Joey and Derek together. Joey continuously tries to turn Alice against Derek but most of the attempts backfire and Joey is "keen to show Alice that the bad boy is dangerous and volatile".