It’s been a long time coming – but Max Branning is finally returning to Albert Square!

EastEnders has confirmed the news that Jake Wood will be reprising his role as the infamous Walford womaniser later this year.

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, in turn, the drama.

And there is plenty that Max has missed out on since he left Walford in 2021. With his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) expected to marry into the Beale family, teenage son Oscar (Pierre Moullier) back in Walford, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) widowed, and a secret daughter with ex-lover Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) yet to be discovered, Max has more than enough unfinished business.

Max will make a brief return in the autumn, with his permanent return scheduled for later in the year.

On reprising his role, 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.”

Pierre Moullier, Jacqueline Jossa, Jake Wood and Scott Maslen in character, stood in front of a tube station looking ahead.

The Brannings. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
This is just one of the many returns under new executive producer Ben Wadey’s leadership, with the likes of Karen Henthorn reprising her role as Nigel’s wife Julie and Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater.

Wadey added on Max’s return: “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 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.”

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Authors
Senior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.