Max Branning Returns to Walford

Just when Albert Square begins to settle, Max Branning (Jake Wood) makes a dramatic return — and his reappearance is set to reopen old wounds. The former villain caused chaos before leaving in 2021, from revenge plots to deadly consequences, and now he’s back just in time for Lauren Branning’s (Jacqueline Jossa) surprise wedding to Peter Beale (Thomas Law).

A Painful Reminder for Cindy

For Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), Max’s return is anything but welcome. Max’s manipulative schemes once led to the death of her son, Steven Beale. After blackmailing Steven into torching Ian’s restaurant and trapping Jane inside, Max’s plan spiraled out of control. Steven’s attempt to save Jane cost him his life, and Cindy has never forgiven the man who set the chain of events in motion.

When Cindy hears from her new employee Jasmine (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) that Max is back in Walford, she wastes no time. Furious and shaken, she storms across the Square, determined to confront the man responsible for her heartbreak.

Tensions Ripple Through Walford

While Cindy steels herself for her showdown, Lauren reels from the shock of her father walking into the Queen Vic on her wedding day. Max’s presence stirs up further tension, not just with Cindy and Lauren but also with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), who is blindsided when she discovers Max’s connection to Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). A kiss between Max and Zoe threatens to blow up friendships and reignite old betrayals.

More Secrets to Unravel

On top of Cindy’s fury and Lauren’s conflicted emotions, Max’s return raises questions about his relationship with his son Oscar and his surprising new bond with Zoe. Flashbacks have already revealed Zoe’s hidden past with twins — one lost, one given up for adoption — and Max’s involvement in helping her search. With so many tangled storylines colliding, his reappearance is set to shake Walford to its core.

A Showdown That Could Change Everything

As Cindy faces the man tied to her son’s death, the stage is set for one of EastEnders’ most explosive confrontations in years. With Max back in the Square, no relationship is safe — and the fallout will be felt across Albert Square.