Christmas in Walford is shaping up to be anything but peaceful as EastEnders gears up for another explosive festive showdown — this time putting Max Branning (Jake Wood) right back in the middle of the drama.

New on-location images from the set confirm that Max will be left bleeding and bruised after a violent altercation with his brother Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) during baby Jimmy’s christening — turning what should be a family celebration into yet another Branning battlefield.

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Blood on the Church Steps: The Branning Brothers Explode

According to on-set photos, the heated confrontation takes place outside a church decked out for Jimmy Beale’s christening, but tensions boil over fast. Witnesses say a furious argument erupts inside before the brothers storm out into the street — where Jack lashes out, leaving Max clutching his face with a split lip.

Cameras captured Jake Wood filming the bloody aftermath, with Scott Maslen following close behind as Jack, clearly shaken by what he’s done. Both men appear visibly injured, confirming the fight turns physical on both sides.

And the crowd isn’t small. Filming included a full cast turnout — Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), and young Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) all witnessed the chaos.

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Why Are the Brannings at War Again?

The brothers’ volatile relationship has been simmering for years, and Max’s sudden reappearance in Walford earlier this year reignited old wounds. After his past entanglements with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) and emotional moments with Stacey (Lacey Turner), Max’s return is already stirring buried emotions — and dangerous family secrets.

Sources suggest the Christmas episode will dig into long-standing resentment and betrayal, with Jack accusing Max of wrecking the fragile peace their family has built. With Lauren and Cindy caught in the crossfire, the argument quickly spirals into violence.

“The Brannings always do Christmas big,” one insider hinted. “This year, it’s not about who sits at the table — it’s about who walks away from it in one piece.”

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A Massive Cast, a Massive Fallout

The church fight sequence reportedly features one of EastEnders’ biggest ensemble scenes of the year, filmed with nearly every major Beale and Branning on set. Viewers can expect more than one family secret to unravel before the credits roll.

Lauren’s reaction will also be crucial. How will she handle watching her father and uncle destroy each other — especially at her son Jimmy’s christening?

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Max’s Return Sets Up a Fiery Festive Season

This marks Jake Wood’s first major storyline since returning to EastEnders after his 2021 exit, and it’s clear his comeback will have lasting consequences. The festive fallout is expected to stretch well into the new year, setting up fresh rivalries and painful reckonings for the Branning clan.

If Christmas in Walford has taught fans anything, it’s that no feud ever truly ends — it just waits for the mistletoe to drop.