EastEnders Max Branning return confirmed as Jake Wood breaks silence on comeback

Max Branning is set to make a dramatic return to Walford as Jake Wood reprises his iconic role later this autumn.

In another thrilling development from the BBC One soap's new Executive Producer, Ben Wadey, Max's comeback is sure to stir up a whirlwind of chaos for the inhabitants of Walford and will thrust the Brannings back into the epicentre of the Square and its drama.

Max first graced our screens in 2006 and quickly became known as a self-destructive, serial womaniser, whose actions wreaked havoc on his family and placed Max at the heart of some of the show's most memorable storylines.

From his enduring affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) that was dramatically unveiled on Christmas Day, his persistent feud with the Beales and the Mitchells, to becoming the prime suspect in Lucy Beale's (Hetti Bywater) murder which subsequently led to his character being incarcerated, it's safe to say that Max has more foes than most.

Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, is set to stir up drama in Walford once again with his family entangled in a web of unfinished business. With daughter Lauren poised to join the Beale clan through marriage, wayward teen son Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) returning to the fold, Stacey Slater facing widowhood, and a hidden daughter with former flame Linda yet to emerge, Max's comeback promises fireworks.

The character is slated for a brief return this autumn, followed by a more permanent stay later in the year.

Jake Wood expressed his enthusiasm about his return, 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 shared his excitement: "I'm delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning."

Despite only a four-year absence, Max returns to an Albert Square that has seen significant changes, leaving fans to wonder how his family will receive him.

Ben hinted at the potential fallout, saying: "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 was last seen on screen on 19 February 2021, departing Walford with his granddaughter Abi in tow.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am