Woods insists he is not like Max Branning

[alan45]

EastEnders star Jake Wood has insisted that he is not similar to his Walford alter ego Max Branning.

In an interview with The Mirror, the actor explained that he cannot imagine ever being unfaithful or putting his family life at risk like the character he has played for four years.

The father-of-two revealed: "I'm nothing like Max. I'm very happily married and I find it very easy to switch Max off as soon as I leave work."

He continued: "I'd never have an affair in real life."

Fans of the BBC One soap are currently waiting to discover whether Max will be able to patch things up with estranged wife Tanya (Jo Joyner) when she returns to Albert Square later this year.

However, reflecting on his character's future, Wood commented: "Even if Max did settle down, who is to say that five or ten years down the line he wouldn't stray again? I think he's damaged enough. I don't know what it'd take to make him settle down, maybe some kind of resolution with his dad.

"He had an awful childhood with his dad Jim that scarred him for life. But deep down I think he just wants to be a better dad to his kids than Jim was to him."

Max will feature in a special two-hander episode with ex-lover Stacey (Lacey Turner) this Friday.

[alan45]

EastEnders actor Jake Wood has revealed that he is excited over the soap's future following the arrival of new executive producer Bryan Kirkwood.

Former Hollyoaks chief Kirkwood took office at the Walford drama earlier this year as a replacement for Diederick Santer, who bowed out to pursue new projects after the programme's 25th anniversary.

Speaking to DS about his new boss, Wood explained: "He's meeting all the cast at the minute and getting fully immersed in it all. We'll have to wait and see what the future holds, but it's all very positive. There are exciting times ahead."

In recent weeks, Kirkwood has lured back Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace to reprise their respective roles as Alfie and Kat Moon. He has also cast former Footballers' Wives actress Zoe Lucker to play businesswoman Vanessa, a new love interest for Wood's character Max Branning.

Asked whether he is looking forward to working with Lucker, Wood replied: "Very much. I've never met her but she's done some great work over the years. It's a great addition to the show.

"I don't know much about her character Vanessa, other than she's Max's new love interest. From what I know, she's a feisty character who gives as good as she gets. It'll be a great pairing."

Tonight, viewers will see Max featuring in a special two-hander episode with Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner) in the wake of his daughter-in-law's murder confession.

[alan45]

EastEnders star Jake Wood has predicted that Max Branning will be eager for a reunion with estranged wife Tanya when she returns to Albert Square later this year.

The Walford couple parted on bad terms last year after Tanya - played by actress Jo Joyner - discovered that Max had hidden their family's financial problems from her.

In real life, Joyner is away on maternity leave after welcoming the arrival of twins Edie and Freddie following successful IVF treatment.

Speaking to DS about his co-star, Wood confirmed: "She's back at some point over the summer. She was here for the anniversary party and she's just loving being a mum at the minute. She's excited about coming back, though. I'm really looking forward to it - I love working with her."

On what Joyner's return could mean for Max and Tanya, he commented: "Max will always think that there's a glimmer of hope for him and Tanya. That's Max - he always thinks that he'll be able to rekindle that romance with her.

"As we found out at Bradley's funeral, though, Tanya's got a new man called Greg. Whether Tanya comes back with him remains to be seen."

Last week, it was announced that Zoe Lucker had been cast in EastEnders as businesswoman Vanessa - a new love interest for Max who could complicate matters further.

Tonight, viewers will see Max featuring in a special two-hander episode with Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner) in the wake of his daughter-in-law's murder confession.

[Dazzle]

I wonder what reason will be given for Tanya's return? Maybe something to do with one of the kids.