Iconic family reassembles off-screen ahead of Max’s long-awaited return—and fans are calling it ‘cultural history in the making’

The Slaters, Mitchells… and Now the Brannings

This Christmas, EastEnders isn’t short on drama. With the Slaters falling apart, the Mitchells in crisis, and Zoe Slater returning to Walford for the first festive season in two decades, the Square has never felt more chaotic.

But in the middle of it all, it’s the Brannings who are lighting up fan excitement—and not just on-screen. Over the weekend, cast members reunited for a festive night out, and social media exploded in celebration of the iconic family’s comeback.

Spotted at a Christmas dinner table were Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren), Jake Wood (Max), Scott Maslen (Jack), Ellie Dadd (Amy), Kitty Castledine (Penny), and newcomer Pierre Moullier (Oscar). Their reunion had fans asking one thing: “Are the Brannings about to take over EastEnders again?”

Off-Screen Fun, On-Screen Chaos Ahead

In a hilarious clip posted to Jake Wood’s Instagram and captioned “Brannings 2025”, the cast lip-synced to the viral remix of 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?” complete with the Nicki Minaj verse. With Christmas crackers, paper hats, and roaring laughter, the scene looked like a family party straight out of Albert Square—if only the drama wasn’t waiting just around the corner.

Fans flooded the comments:

“A beautiful bunch of Brannings.”
“Jake and Scott give such good, fun vibes on and off screen.”
“This is actually very important to my culture.”
“Max when are you back?! I want Jack and Max scenes NOW.”

Kitty Castledine even joked, “Why did I not get a single lyric right?”

Zoe’s Turmoil, Phil’s Struggles, Teddy’s Secret

While the Brannings party off-screen, back in Walford tensions are boiling. Zoe Slater’s return has been anything but joyful—she’s been stalked, isolated, and recently shared a night with Anthony Trueman, who may or may not be manipulating her sanity and hiding something about her long-lost son.

Elsewhere, Phil Mitchell is caring for Nigel Bates, who is battling dementia. Teddy Mitchell faces trial for taking the fall after son Harry accidentally stabbed Okie—who, viewers now know, had been holding Harry captive and driving him to drug use.

It’s a season of secrets, and no one is untouched.

Max Branning’s Return Is Official

Max Branning is set to return on December 16, and according to Jake Wood, his character will take center stage in EastEnders’ first-ever New Year’s flashforward episode, airing January 1. Speaking on The One Show, Wood confirmed he was drawn back after meeting with new boss Ben Wadey and legendary writer Simon Ashdown.

“They outlined plans for Max, and I just got excited,” Jake said. “We’ve just finished filming something massive for New Year—it’s not going to be a quiet one.”

Max is expected to cause more heartbreak for Lauren and Oscar, both still wounded from his last betrayal. But if that dinner table reunion was any clue, the Brannings are back—and ready to reclaim the square.