Max Branning’s Return to Walford

Max Branning (Jake Wood) has never been one to keep his personal life simple, and next week’s EastEnders proves that nothing has changed. Returning to Walford for daughter Lauren’s (Jacqueline Jossa) wedding to Peter Beale (Thomas Law), Max quickly makes it clear he hasn’t left his lothario ways behind.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). Still haunted by the death of Keanu Taylor and her fractured history with Martin Fowler, Stacey had been considering a fresh start in Brazil with her brother Sean (Rob Kazinsky). But when her daughter Lily insists on staying in Walford, Stacey reluctantly decides not to go.

Stacey and Max: A Dangerous History

For Stacey, Max’s return stirs memories of one of the Square’s most infamous affairs. Their romance began while Stacey was with Max’s son Bradley, exploding in spectacular fashion when Lauren exposed them on her parents’ wedding DVD—a Christmas Day reveal still remembered as one of soap’s most shocking twists.

Though Stacey eventually reunited with Bradley, tragedy struck when he died fleeing police, taking the blame for Archie Mitchell’s murder—a crime Stacey herself committed. Years later, Stacey and Max rekindled their affair, only for it to end in more heartbreak when Abi Branning fell to her death after a rooftop confrontation.

Zoe Slater in the Mix

Max’s latest return doesn’t just affect Stacey. Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), freshly back in Walford herself, also has history with him. Years ago, they struck up a brief dalliance after meeting in a bar. Max offered her money to help track down her missing son, but when things turned violent with shady investigator Greg Dolan, their fling ended abruptly.

Now, Zoe is openly thrilled to see him back—but Kat (Jessie Wallace) wastes no time warning her to stay away.

Who Does Max Really Want?

Despite Zoe’s interest, Max’s attention initially appears fixed squarely on Stacey. But as Stacey wrestles with her decision to stay in Walford or escape to Brazil, Max’s gaze shifts back to Zoe.

Two Slater women. One man with a notorious past. And a wedding backdrop just begging for chaos.

Will Stacey finally cut ties with Max once and for all? Or will old flames reignite just as Zoe positions herself in his orbit? In true EastEnders fashion, viewers will have to wait and see whose heart—or life—Max turns upside down this time.