Christmas in EastEnders is rarely peaceful, and this year will be no exception. Returning love rat Max Branning (Jake Wood) is set to take a punch during a dramatic festive bust-up — leaving him with a split lip and bruised face after a fight with his brother Jack (Scott Maslen).

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Family Celebration Turns Ugly

The explosive scenes, filmed at a church in Hertford, take place during the christening of Jimmy Beale, Max’s grandson and the son of Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Peter Beale (Thomas Law).

What begins as a family celebration quickly spirals into chaos as old tensions between the Branning brothers boil over. Photos from the set show Max storming out of the church with blood on his face, while Jack follows close behind, visibly furious.

Also present at the christening are Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), hinting that this family event will bring multiple feuding branches of Walford together — with predictably disastrous results.

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Max’s Return Has Already Shaken the Square

Max’s comeback earlier this year marked the end of his five-year absence from EastEnders, and his reappearance has already caused waves across Walford. Fans were stunned to learn that, during his time away, Max began a secret relationship with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) — a pairing few saw coming.

Speaking earlier in the year, Jake Wood revealed that the unlikely romance was rooted in shared vulnerability rather than manipulation.

“From my point of view, the relationship between them is genuine,” he said. “There are real feelings there. Zoe was looking for her son she gave up for adoption, and Max helped her pay for a private investigator. He really empathised with her and supported her.”

However, Jake admitted Max’s return has complicated matters.

“By the time he comes back to the Square, it’s become very complicated in terms of where Max is at emotionally — and what he’s able to commit to.”

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A Branning Christmas to Remember

Viewers can expect the traditional EastEnders mix of heartbreak and fireworks as the Branning family reunion descends into confrontation. The brawl between Max and Jack will reportedly leave both men rattled — and could have lasting consequences for the family well into the New Year.

With Lauren and Peter’s fragile truce, Cindy’s presence, and Max’s return all colliding at once, this festive season promises classic EastEnders drama — where family love and betrayal go hand in hand.