EastEnders Scandal: Max Branning Sparks Chaos in Shocking Cliffhanger
Max Branning is back in EastEnders — and it hasn’t taken long for him to blow apart lives in Walford. The infamous womaniser, played by Jake Wood, returned during daughter Lauren’s surprise wedding to Peter Beale and immediately plunged the Square into fresh scandal.
A Wedding Overshadowed
Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Peter (Thomas Law) should have been celebrating their big day, but Max’s dramatic reappearance stole the spotlight. While his son Oscar was delighted, Lauren remained cautious, reminding Max of the damage he’s caused.
Peter, meanwhile, worried about Cindy Beale finding out her old enemy was back. Max’s part in the death of her son Steven still hangs over him, making his return all the more dangerous.
Zoe Slater and Stacey Caught in the Crossfire
Max wasted no time reconnecting with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), his secret on-off lover. Their closeness didn’t go unnoticed by Kat Moon, who was shocked to see the pair growing cosy.
But it was Stacey (Lacey Turner) who faced the biggest emotional test. When Max followed her home, memories of their tumultuous history came flooding back. Over drinks, he admitted he missed what they once had, and the spark between them reignited.
Although Stacey insisted Martin Fowler is the true love of her life, the chemistry was undeniable. Just as they nearly kissed, Zoe walked in — sending the situation spiralling further.
A Dangerous Triangle Explodes
Not content to let go, Zoe pushed Stacey to take her planned flight to Brazil, hoping to remove her as competition. Outside The Queen Vic, Zoe came clean to Max that she hadn’t killed Greg Dolan and begged him to give them another shot.
It worked. Max gave in to Zoe’s kiss — only for Stacey to stumble upon the scene, stunned by the betrayal unfolding before her eyes.
What Happens Next?
The cliffhanger leaves Stacey reeling, Zoe determined, and Max once again at the heart of a scandal that threatens to rip through Walford. Will Stacey expose Zoe and Max? Will Martin discover just how close his wife came to reigniting her affair? And will Lauren regret letting her dad back into her life?
One thing is certain: Max Branning hasn’t changed — and his return has already set Walford on fire.