Max Branning is bursting his way back into Walford as Jake Wood reprises his legendary role later this autumn.
In another exciting move from the BBC One soap’s new Executive Producer, Ben Wadey, Max’s arrival is guaranteed to cause no end of trouble for the residents of Walford and will put the Brannings back into the heart of the Square and the drama.
Max first landed on our screens in 2006 and was quickly established for being a self-destructive, serial womaniser, whose behaviour tore apart his family and put Max at the forefront of some of the show’s most iconic storylines.
From his long-running affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) that was revealed in epic fashion on Christmas Day, his ongoing feud with the Beales and the Mitchell’s, to finding himself as the prime suspect in Lucy Beale’s (Hetti Bywater) murder which later saw his character imprisoned, it’s safe to say that Max has more enemies than most.
Max left Walford back in 2021 when his affair with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) ended after she revealed her true feelings for husband Mick, and his subsequent meddling resulted in brother Jack Branning’s (Scott Maslen) suspension from his job with the police.
With daughter Lauren expected to marry into the Beale’s, tearaway teenage son Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) back in Walford, Stacey Slater widowed, and a secret daughter with ex-lover Linda yet to be discovered, Max has more than enough unfinished business in Walford awaiting his return.
Max will return briefly later this autumn, with his permeant return scheduled for later in the year.
On reprising his role, actor Jake Wood said: “I’m over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy.
“I’m excited to see what he’s been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.”
EastEnders Executive Producer, Ben added: “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.
Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen.
“However, with a past as checkered 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.”
Max last appeared on screen on 19 February 2021 when he left Walford with his baby granddaughter Abi.