EastEnders viewers have “sussed out” Max Branning’s fresh romantic target as Jake Wood returns to his role as the Walford lothario.
Confirmation has arrived that the former motor dealer is making his way back to Albert Square this autumn, and audiences have already begun theorising about which lady will find herself in his embrace upon his comeback.
Certain supporters are adamant Max will end up charming Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) when he eventually resurfaces on the BBC One drama.
Flocking to X, previously called Twitter, one enthusiast wrote: “I could see him try his luck with Nicola Mitchell or Priya.”
Another contributed: “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.”, reports Belfast Live.
A third individual commented: “If Max is coming back, my money is on him having a fling with Nicola. I’m shipping “Macola! #Eastenders.”
A fourth social media participant remarked: “Wait…imagine MAX RETURNS AND GETS WITH NICOLA? ? ? ? now that’s a combo #EastEnders.”
Max initially arrived on our screens in 2006 and was swiftly positioned as a self-sabotaging, habitual philanderer, whose antics destroyed his family unit and placed Max at the centre of some of the programme’s most memorable plotlines.
He departed Walford in 2021 when his liaison with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) concluded after she disclosed her genuine emotions for spouse Mick, and his following interference led to brother Jack Branning’s (Scott Maslen) suspension from his position with the police force.
With daughter Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) set to become part of the Beale family through marriage, rebellious teen son Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) returning to Walford, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) facing life as a widow, and a yet-to-be-revealed secret daughter with former flame Linda in the mix, Max is bracing for a whirlwind of drama upon his comeback to the Square.
Max is slated for a brief appearance this autumn, with a full-time return pencilled in for later in the year.
On stepping back into Max’s shoes, actor Jake Wood expressed his delight: “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.”