Max Branning’s Return Shakes Walford

Walford is in for major upheaval as Max Branning (Jake Wood) makes his long-awaited return to EastEnders. Since leaving the show in 2021, Max’s absence has left a vacuum in the Branning family storylines, but his comeback promises to reignite old tensions, reveal long-held secrets, and spark new drama. Fans have already been teased about Max’s romantic connection with fellow returnee Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), a twist that is set to complicate relationships across the square.

Executive producer Ben Wadey explained that Max’s return was a long-term plan. “Max is a brilliant character, and Jake’s such an incredible performer,” Wadey said. “The Brannings are an iconic legacy family, and I wanted to put them at the heart of the show. There’s big stories ahead for them.”

The Brannings’ Complicated Family Web

Max’s arrival will not only affect him but also his estranged children Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Oscar (Pierre Moullier), as well as his younger brother Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), long considered their father’s favorite. Adding fuel to the fire, Max is set to discover he has another daughter, Annie Carter, with former flame Linda Carter (Kellie Bright). While Jack, Lauren, and Oscar are aware of Annie’s existence, Max remains in the dark — setting the stage for emotional confrontations and shocking revelations.

Ben Wadey teased, “There are a lot of secrets Max doesn’t know about, which other characters, including his own family, do know. Secrets have a way of coming up at all the wrong times, and it’s going to create some serious drama.” Fans can expect Annie’s introduction to Max to be a particularly explosive storyline, with repercussions rippling through the family.

Legacy Meets the New Generation

The Brannings’ renewed focus isn’t limited to Max and his immediate family. Wadey highlighted that the show is also shining a spotlight on the new generation, including Jack’s children Penny (Kitty Castledine), Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), and Ricky Branning (Frankie Day). “We have these legacy characters who can give us so much story, but we also have the new generation coming through. They have loads of stories to tell,” Wadey said.

This multigenerational storytelling ensures that EastEnders can explore layered dynamics, from sibling rivalries to intergenerational conflicts, while keeping the Brannings central to the ongoing drama.

Friends, Enemies, and Potential Feuds

Max’s return is set to affect not just family members but the wider Walford community. Ben Wadey hinted at Max having a mix of friends and enemies awaiting him, suggesting that not everyone will welcome his comeback. A potential feud with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) has already been teased on-screen, promising tension that will keep viewers glued to their screens.

Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning, noted, “Max is a phenomenal character, and it is going to be seminal. The show used to focus on certain families at a time, but now it moves from person to person. Everyone works well together, and the Brannings are right at the centre of it.” Maslen also joked, “Listen, here’s a dirty dog, what do you wanna know? We’ve got great history, and I’m very excited about putting it on screen.”

What Fans Can Expect

With Max back, viewers can anticipate high-stakes drama, family secrets, and emotionally charged storylines. From discovering unknown children to rekindled romances and tense rivalries, the Brannings are set to dominate Walford in the weeks ahead. The combination of legacy characters and the rising younger generation ensures that the Brannings will remain central to EastEnders’ storytelling for some time.

Whether it’s Max confronting old flames, navigating sibling tensions, or meeting his long-lost daughter, chaos and heartbreak are almost guaranteed. Walford is about to become a battleground of secrets, love, and rivalry — and the Brannings are right at the heart of it.