Max Branning is set to make a dramatic return to Walford as Jake Wood reprises his iconic role later this autumn with the actor teasing “plenty of chaos” and “unresolved drama’
Max Branning is poised for a sensational comeback to Walford as Jake Wood reprises his iconic role this coming autumn.
In an exhilarating move by the BBC One soap’s new Executive Producer, Ben Wadey, Max’s return is bound to cause a stir among Walford’s residents and put the Brannings back in the thick of the Square’s drama.
Max first appeared on our screens in 2006 and rapidly gained notoriety as a self-destructive, serial womaniser, whose actions caused chaos within his family and placed Max at the heart of some of the show’s most unforgettable plots.
From his long-lasting affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) that was shockingly exposed on Christmas Day, his continuous feud with the Beales and the Mitchells, to being the prime suspect in Lucy Beale’s (Hetti Bywater) murder which subsequently led to his imprisonment, it’s fair to say that Max has more enemies than most.
Max said goodbye to Walford in 2021 when his affair with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) ended after she confessed 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, according to OK!, reports Belfast Live.
With his daughter Lauren set to join the Beale family, troubled teenager Oscar Branning back in the picture, Stacey Slater grappling with widowhood, and a secret daughter with ex-lover Linda waiting to be unveiled, Max has a plethora of unresolved issues in Walford that will need addressing upon his return.
Max is slated for a brief return this autumn, before making a full-time comeback later in the year.
Jake Wood, the actor who portrays Max, expressed his delight at reprising his role, stating: “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.”
He added, “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, also voiced his excitement about Jake Wood’s return as Max Branning, remarking: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning.”
Since his exit, the lives of Walford’s residents have seen significant transformations, and Max will undoubtedly have to adjust to this new reality. Whether his family will receive him warmly remains to be seen.
However, considering Max’s complicated and often controversial past, it’s probable that many residents will be less than pleased to see him, which will surely place the Brannings at the heart of the Square’s drama once more.
Max was last spotted on screen on 19 February 2021, when he bid adieu to Walford with his baby granddaughter Abi accompanying him.
