We've been dying to see the looks on Ian and Jane Beale's faces when Max Branning returns to EastEnders - and the wait is finally over.
These brand new pictures show the moment that Max (Jake Wood) comes face-to-face with the Beales for the very first time since he was released from prison earlier in the year.
Max makes his return to Walford on Christmas Day, but the Beales don't find out that he's back until the following afternoon.
When Max texts his daughter Lauren on Boxing Day, she sheepishly asks Jane whether he can attend Steven's birthday drinks at the pub.
Jane (Laurie Brett) then has to break the news to Ian (Adam Woodyatt), and it's not long before the couple are faced with Max outside the Queen Vic in the ultimate awkward moment.
Jane and Ian Beale come face-to-face with Max Branning in EastEnders
© BBC
Max previously sent a threatening note to Ian which warned that he'd never forgive him after being wrongly imprisoned for Lucy's murder, but now that several months have passed, does he feel any differently? Or is it time to get his revenge?
Discussing whether Max can forgive the Beales, Jake Wood - who plays him - recently revealed: "If he's going to live on that Square, they have to come to some sort of understanding, put it that way.
"I think it's really up to Max whether he forgives them or not. He spent all that time in prison as a result of them lying in court. So it depends how Max feels when he gets back and how much he's changed and willing to forgive them."
EastEnders airs these scenes on Boxing Day at 8pm on BBC One.
Digital Spy