Jake Wood, best known for his memorable role in EastEnders, is set to grace our TV screens once again. However, this time he’s swapping acting for puzzle-solving on the celebrity edition of ITV’s popular game show, Catchphrase.
The actor will be competing against Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle and television presenter Nick Edwards. The trio will be vying to win money for their chosen charities, with Stephen Mulhern steering the show.
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Since leaving EastEnders in 2020, with his final episode airing in February 2021, Jake has largely retreated from the limelight and hasn’t been seen much on television.
While fans have been speculating for some time about a possible return of his character Max Branning to Albert Square, there’s currently no official confirmation or news about any plans for him to reprise his role.
With Jake making a brief appearance on Celebrity Catchphrase, it’s hard not to wonder about his life away from the cameras, reports Plymouth Live.
Rarely seen son
Jake and Buster Wood
Jake shared a sweet post devoted to his rarely seen son
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At 51, Jake is clearly cherishing his time with his family after dedicating an impressive 15 years to the BBC soap. Last year, he shared a heartwarming photo on social media with his 17 year old son Buster.
The father and son duo posed together for a post promoting a Sellebrity Soccer match, with Buster joining his dad on the pitch for the charity football event.
Jake gathered closely with family, exuberantly praising his son’s abilities and expressing pride with the caption: “Proud dad alert”.
This January, Jake marked his return to social media by sharing a series of photographs celebrating his son’s birthday, with the message: “You couldn’t wish to meet a more wonderful young man. Happy 17th @_8u5ter we love you so much and are so proud of you always.”
Two decades being sober
Max Branning on EastEnders
Jake decided to boot the booze (Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
Celebrating two decades of sobriety, the father-of-two announced on New Year’s Day in 2024 that he had abstained from alcohol for 20 years. He commemorated this personal milestone relaxing in a hot tub with a cigar.
Taking to the social platform X – formerly Twitter – he informed his followers: “So I’m sat here in a hot tub, having a cigar, it’s pretty cool.”
Further reflecting on his life’s blessings, Jake expressed gratitude: “And just reflecting on how grateful I am for all the amazing things I’ve got in my life. I’ve got an amazing family, beautiful family, fantastic friends. Everyone is happy and healthy.
“Also, and I don’t really talk about this often, I just want to say that tonight I’m 20 years sober. Stopped drinking 20 years ago tonight and that changed my life in so many ways. It’s immeasurable. So anyone on the same journey, I send you love and support, and if anyone’s struggling there’s help out there, alright?”
Concluding with words of encouragement and affection, Jake signed off: “You can do it. Love you guys. Happy New Year.”
The soap actor didn’t disclose his reasons for choosing sobriety but shared a hopeful and inspiring message in his caption: “I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey.
“If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love and strength and a happy and healthy 2024.”
Online imposter
Jake Wood
Jake warned fans over an imposter pretending to be him (Image: BBC / Jack Barnes)
In 2021, the popular actor alerted his numerous Instagram followers about an imposter posing as him online who had contacted several of his fans. Shortly after his warning about the scammer was posted, his account was deleted, causing concern among his followers.
Those attempting to visit his Instagram page were met with an error message stating: “Sorry this page isn’t available. The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed. Go back to Instagram.”
This incident occurred just two weeks after he warned about a “cretin” impersonating him to fans. A representative for the actor confirmed to MailOnline at the time that his account had been hacked and they were “in the process of regaining access,” which they eventually did.
Reasons his marriage lasted
Jake and his childhood sweetheart Alison
Jake has been married to Alison for over two decades
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His character Max Branning, known for his numerous romantic liaisons in the soap, is a stark contrast to his real-life persona.
Jake has enjoyed a blissful marriage with his childhood sweetheart, Alison Murray, for over two decades. The couple first exchanged vows in 2001 and reaffirmed their commitment to each other in a private Glastonbury-themed ceremony in 2017.
The pair are parents to two children, Amber, 19, and Buster, 17, and reside in a unique converted schoolhouse in Hertfordshire.
In a conversation with the Mirror about their enduring relationship, Jake admitted that it had required consistent effort from both sides. He shared: “We obviously love each other a lot but also we’ve always wanted the same things. You’ve got to work hard at it and you’ve got to talk. Alison’s taught me that.”
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He revealed that they maintain a weekly date night to connect, catch up and ensure they’re still on the same page.
Adding further, he said: “We’re not soppy but we know we love each other a lot. Alison means the world to me. I feel incredibly lucky to have been with such an amazing woman for so long and I’m looking forward to the next 23 years.”
Catchphrase will air this weekend on Sunday, 6th April, on ITV.
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