After a four-year hiatus, Jake Wood is set to make a dramatic return to the BBC One soap opera EastEnders as the infamous Max Branning. Fans of the show will first catch a glimpse of Max in a brief appearance this autumn, with a full-time comeback scheduled before the end of 2025. Wood’s return has been highly anticipated, with viewers eager to see how Max’s reappearance will shake up the lives of Albert Square’s residents.
Jake Wood, who originally joined EastEnders in 2006, expressed his excitement about coming back to Walford. Speaking on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, he described his return as "quite emotional" and "like a very warm hug." He said, "I just felt like it was the right time. I spoke to so many people there, they’re just loving being there at the moment. I had a meeting with the new executive, Ben Wadey, back in January, and we went for lunch, and he just sort of outlined all of his ideas." Wood added, "There’s just so many characters that Max has got drama with, so it felt like the right time to go back and mix things up a bit."
Max Branning’s character is no stranger to stirring up trouble. Known as a self-destructive, serial womaniser, Max’s past is riddled with scandal and heartbreak. One of his most notorious storylines was the revelation of his long-running affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, which was dramatically exposed on Christmas Day in 2007 while Max was dressed as Father Christmas. His previous departure from Walford in 2021 came after an affair with Linda Carter ended, and his meddling led to his brother Jack Branning’s suspension from the police force.
Executive producer Ben Wadey welcomed Wood’s return warmly, stating, "I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning. Whilst his character has only been away from Albert Square for four years, Walford, and the lives of those who live in it, have changed immensely." Wadey emphasized that Max has "a lot of unfinished business," and hinted that his arrival might not be met with open arms. "Whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen. However, with a past as chequered as Max’s, it’s fair to say that many Walford residents will not be pleased to see him, putting the Brannings back at the heart of the Square, and the drama, this year."
Indeed, Max’s return promises to be far from peaceful. Wood himself warned fans that the drama will be "high, high, high drama" and "not friendly and warm." The character is expected to confront unresolved issues with many residents of Albert Square, ensuring that chaos will follow him wherever he goes.
Adding to the family tension, Max’s son Oscar Branning will also make a comeback this summer, now portrayed by new actor Pierre Moullier. Oscar’s return after eight years away is expected to reignite old rivalries and bring fresh family drama to the forefront. Max’s daughter Lauren Branning, played by Jacqueline Jossa, is poised to marry into the Beale family, adding another layer of complexity to the Branning clan’s storylines.
There is also the mystery of Max’s secret daughter with ex-lover Linda Carter, which remains undiscovered by the other characters. Linda continues to keep this secret closely guarded, adding to the tension surrounding Max’s return. Meanwhile, Stacey Slater, who once had an affair with Max, is now widowed, further complicating the intertwined relationships within the community.
Fans have already begun speculating about Max’s romantic future. Social media buzz suggests that Max may pursue Nicola Mitchell, played by Laura Doddington, as his new love interest. This speculation has sparked excitement and intrigue among viewers, with some imagining dramatic scenarios including jealousy and betrayal. One fan tweeted, "The concept of Nicola and Max having a relationship but Max cheating with Cindy causing Nicola to push him off the Queen Vic Roof #EastEnders." Another added, "If Max is coming back, my money is on him having a fling with Nicola. I'm shipping 'Macola!' #Eastenders."
Max Branning’s legacy on EastEnders is marked by his complex relationships and turbulent storylines. His return is expected to bring back the intense, gripping drama that has defined his character for nearly two decades. As EastEnders continues to evolve, Max’s presence will undoubtedly shake up Albert Square, reigniting old feuds and sparking new conflicts.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30 PM on BBC One and is available for early streaming on BBC iPlayer from 6 AM. With Max Branning back in the mix, viewers can anticipate a season filled with twists, turns, and plenty of chaos in Walford.
