Max’s Explosive Return Leaves Fans Stunned

EastEnders fans are buzzing after Max Branning’s dramatic return to Walford. His reappearance took a shocking turn when it was revealed he somehow knew Zoe Slater, who left the Square back in 2005. The connection immediately set off alarm bells for viewers. How could these two characters know one another, given their timelines never seemed to cross?

As fans quickly recalled, Zoe gave birth to twins in 2006 — just a year after she exited. Max’s arrival that same year suddenly feels more significant than ever, fueling theories that he may be connected to Zoe’s past in a way no one expected.

Zoe’s Tragic 2006 Storyline Revisited

Longtime viewers will remember Zoe’s heartbreaking storyline nearly two decades ago. In 2006, she gave birth to twins under traumatic circumstances. Her baby daughter sadly died, while Zoe, overwhelmed with grief, fled the hospital and left her newborn son behind. The boy was later placed for adoption, leaving many questions unanswered about the child’s paternity.

The identity of the twins’ father was never revealed on-screen, but fans now believe the puzzle pieces are finally falling into place. With Max back in the picture, some are convinced he could be the missing link.

Tanya’s Revelation Resurfaces

What makes the theory even more compelling is a moment from 2006 that many viewers had forgotten. When Max’s wife Tanya Branning first arrived in Walford, she alluded to forgiving Max for an affair that had happened before their move. Tanya referenced wanting a “fresh start,” hinting that Max’s infidelity had nearly broken their marriage.

At the time, the other woman’s identity was left deliberately vague. But fans now think the soap has been sitting on this secret for years. Could Zoe have been the mysterious “other woman” all along?

Fan Theories Light Up Social Media

As soon as the latest episode aired, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their theories. One viewer wrote:

“There’s every chance Zoe was the girl Max had an affair with offscreen BEFORE the Brannings moved to the Square, thus making him the twins’ dad.”

Another fan recalled the timeline with even more detail:

“June 2006. The Brannings are introduced with Tanya wanting a divorce because Max has been knocking up ‘that cow’. Now we know ‘that cow’ was ZOE.”

Others highlighted how the affair storyline could explain everything:

“Didn’t Tanya and Max move to the Square cos Max was cheating and they wanted a fresh start?”

If true, this would mean Max fathered Zoe’s twins and that his past actions are now coming back to haunt him in the most dramatic way possible.

Could Zoe’s Babies Really Be Max’s?

The theory gains weight not only from Tanya’s past confession but also from Max’s behavior in recent episodes. His knowledge of Zoe and his sudden return at this precise moment has fans convinced the soap is gearing up for a massive reveal.

If Zoe’s adopted son is alive and well, the storyline could open up a new family twist for Max, while also pulling Zoe back into the heart of Walford drama. And if Max’s daughter with Zoe truly died at birth, that tragic history could explain his emotional motives now.

What This Means for EastEnders

EastEnders is no stranger to long-term secrets, and this potential affair reveal could rival some of the show’s most iconic bombshells. It would not only reshape Max’s history but also redefine Zoe’s departure storyline from nearly two decades ago.

With the Branning family already entangled in betrayal and heartbreak, the return of a hidden affair could send shockwaves through Walford once again. If Zoe really was Max’s secret lover, then her twins — and their fate — could become the next explosive storyline fans won’t stop talking about.