Max Branning’s Return Overshadowed by a Name Change

Tuesday night’s EastEnders episode (September 30) was meant to be remembered for the shock return of Max Branning (Jake Wood), who dramatically interrupted his daughter Lauren’s wedding to Peter Beale. But instead, fans ended the night furious — not about Max’s reappearance, but about a sudden name change that left them fuming.

After Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) tied the knot with Peter in the Vic, eagle-eyed viewers noticed her character’s name had been updated to Lauren Beale. The change, slipped into the end credits and reflected in the storyline, sparked instant backlash online.

Fans Outraged Over “Lauren Beale”

On X (formerly Twitter), fans made their displeasure loud and clear. One viewer wrote: “Rah what the f**k is this, it better be temporary!” Another added: “I hate that soaps always insist on this. In 2025 it really isn’t that common but soaps always do it!”

Others argued that the shift stripped Lauren of her iconic Branning identity. “I’m really not liking this — Lauren’s character is being brought down by Peter. The couple are so unsuited in my honest opinion,” one user commented. Another suggested: “Could have at least made her a Branning-Beale!”

Not Just Lauren — Kathy Reverts Too

Lauren wasn’t the only one to switch names. Earlier in the episode, Kathy revealed she had officially reverted her name back to Beale from Cotton, further cementing the Beale family’s dominance on the Square.

Drama Ahead After the Wedding Bombshell

The episode ended on a major cliffhanger as Max dramatically caught Lauren’s bouquet and declared: “Must be my lucky day.” Spoilers suggest his return will cause fresh chaos in Walford, with Kat attempting to steer him away from Zoe during a tense exchange.

Meanwhile, Max’s reunion with Stacey Slater is also set to bring complications, particularly as Stacey contemplates a move to Brazil.

A Name That Divides Viewers

For long-time fans, Lauren Branning’s name has deep legacy ties to one of EastEnders’ most infamous families. The quiet shift to “Lauren Beale” may seem like a small detail, but for many, it represents a loss of identity and tradition.

Whether temporary or permanent, the backlash proves one thing: in Walford, even a surname can stir up as much drama as a wedding or a shock return.