Fans Wonder About Tanya Branning’s Comeback

EastEnders fans are buzzing with speculation: will Tanya Branning finally return to Walford following Max’s dramatic comeback? Executive producer Ben Wadey and the cast recently addressed the rumors, teasing the potential for the iconic character to step back into the spotlight.

Max’s recent return has already shaken things up, and fans are eager to see if Jo Joyner will reprise her role as Tanya. With the Branning family being rejuvenated over the past months—including Jake Wood’s full-time return as Max and Pierre Moullier taking over the role of Oscar—the stage seems set for more drama. But is Tanya the missing puzzle piece Walford is waiting for?

What the Boss Had to Say

At a recent EastEnders press event, Wadey was asked about Tanya’s return. With a touch of humor, he replied, “We’ve just given you Max and Zoe!” before praising the cast: “Jo is amazing, isn’t she? We’ve also got an amazing cast. We’ve got a huge cast and brilliant performers, that all deserve and need stories.”

The comments suggest that while Tanya remains a fan favorite, the show currently has plenty of Branning-focused storylines to explore. Yet the hints are tantalizing—could Jo Joyner’s return be around the corner?

Cast Chimes In on the Possibilities

Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lauren, revealed she’s been “texting” Jo Joyner to gauge interest in reprising her role. Meanwhile, Scott Maslen (Jack) joked that Max needs to stir up a little chaos before Tanya can step back in: “We need a bit of naughty Max first, don’t we? We need him back for a while for her to come and sort him out.”

This playful banter underscores the potential fireworks if Tanya reappears—especially with Max at the center of so many unresolved storylines.

Max’s Return Sparks Multiple Storylines

Max isn’t just returning to Walford quietly. His homecoming brings a cascade of unfinished business. From tension with Zoe Slater to disputes with Cindy Beale over her son Steven’s death, Max has plenty on his plate.

Jake Wood explained the complexity of Max’s situation: “Max has got a son [Oscar] that he hasn’t seen for a few years. He hasn’t seen Lauren. Obviously, there’s Annie, that he doesn’t know about. Stacey might be there, might not be. Obviously, there’s the relationship with Zoe. It’s just so much. And the Brannings just interact with so many different characters, don’t they, and pull so many other characters into the story?”

Indeed, Cindy blames Max for her son Steven’s death, adding tension and drama to the already rich Branning storylines.

The Branning-Beale Connection

Wadey emphasized the potential chaos if Max and Cindy cross paths: “I think there would be fireworks! As Jake said, Cindy blames Max for the death of her son. And Max is returning at a point when obviously Lauren and Peter are in a relationship, so there’s a lot of Branning-Beale history. Should they meet, you’d want popcorn.”

The intertwining relationships promise a high-stakes environment where old grievances could erupt at any moment, leaving fans eagerly anticipating every twist.

What to Watch For

With so many unresolved threads—from Max’s children to his love life and past conflicts—EastEnders continues to deliver rich, layered drama. Fans hoping for Tanya’s return should keep watching, as her storyline could be woven into Max’s tangled web at any moment.