Max Branning (Jake Wood)

[lizann]

Oh good, we haven't had one of those "rocking the Square" for a long time.

be great if it really was explosive like max blowing up the restaurant with ian phil ben and gray inside

[tammyy2j]

Is Max being killed off?

[Perdita]

Is Max being killed off?

No, door left open for him to return one day ...

[lizann]

No, door left open for him to return one day ...

thats good great actor and character

linda and jack tell him leave

[lizann]

possible return hinted

https://www.whattowatch.com/news/eastenders-star-jake-wood-teases-possible-return-to-soap

[lizann]

returning

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/34998846/eastenders-jake-wood-returns-tv-soap/#Echobox=1747510607

[Timalay]

It's just been confirmed on BBC Radio 2 by Jake Wood that Max Branning is returning.

[Perdita]

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a65381193/eastenders-why-jake-wood-returning/


EastEnders favourite Jake Wood has opened up about why he's decided to return to the show as Max Branning.

The star was officially confirmed for a Walford comeback today after months of rumours, with his brief return lined up for the autumn before a permanent stint later in the year.

Speaking to The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Jake admitted it was "the right time" to rejoin the soap after more than four years away.

"I spoke to so many people there, loving being there at the moment," he said, revealing he met with new executive producer Ben Wadey in January, who "outlined all of his ideas".

"I just felt the time was right," Jake continued. "I've been away for five years, and that character Max has got so much involvement with so many of the characters still there.

"Obviously Stacey, she's on her own, widowed. Obviously, he's got a kid with Linda that he knows nothing about. Lauren's there, his wayward son Oscar is there. His brother Jack, Cindy? just so many characters that Max is involved in [and] has got drama with.

"So it felt like the right time to go back and mix things up a bit. There is [a lot of unfinished business]."

During the chat, Jake said he was "so happy to be back" and felt like he was "going home", revealing: "I was there yesterday doing some PR shots and photos with all the family, and it was quite an emotional moment.

"Lots has changed and nothing has changed, if you know what I mean. All the people there are all the same? it was just lovely to go back, it felt like a very warm hug."

He then teased: "It's not gonna be friendly and warm like that with Max Branning around! There's plenty of drama lined up, and I'm so excited for what they've got in store."

Speaking earlier on Jake's return, Ben similarly noted that Max "has a lot of unfinished business" and "whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen".

"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," he teased.