Max’s Explosive Comeback

EastEnders delivered a jaw-dropping twist this week with the surprise return of Jake Wood as Max Branning. Fans had not seen Max since 2022, making his reappearance in Wednesday night’s (September 3) episode even more dramatic. The scene showed Max quietly sitting in a bedroom, sipping whisky, and making a call that revealed his secret involvement with Zoe Slater.

But the shocking moment came when Kat Slater picked up the phone instead of Zoe. Kat immediately warned Max to stay away, setting the stage for a messy affair storyline that has already divided viewers.

Zoe Slater in Danger

Thursday’s (September 4) episode pushed the story further. Zoe remained in hospital after being shot during a violent confrontation with Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati. Flashbacks then filled in the blanks, showing how her affair with Max began months earlier.

Max spotted Zoe at a pub, struggling to pay a bar tab. Stepping in, he covered her bill, and the two bonded over past hardships and personal loss. The connection escalated quickly, leading them to spend the night together. The next day, Zoe voiced her fears about how Walford would react if their secret came out — a clear warning that trouble was on the horizon.

Secrets, Money, and Betrayal

Zoe also confessed she had hired a private investigator to track down her son, a revelation that added new depth to her character. With bills piling up, Max offered her £5,000 for the search and even gifted her a necklace as proof of his support.

Together, they visited the investigator, Dolan, but things turned violent when he tried to assault Zoe. In a moment of desperation, she struck him with a lamp. This harrowing encounter only pulled Max and Zoe deeper into each other’s world, despite the danger surrounding them.

Back in the present, Max called Zoe’s hospital room. His controlling side showed when he warned her that he doesn’t like being told what to do — and that he was heading back to Walford.

Fans Spot the Plot Hole

While the storyline has kept audiences glued to their screens, it has also sparked a wave of criticism online. Fans quickly pointed out what they believe is a glaring plot hole: Stacey Slater failing to recognize Max’s voice on the phone.

Given Stacey’s long history with Max — including two major affairs, one with his son Bradley and later while she was married to Martin Fowler — many viewers felt it was unrealistic for her not to identify him immediately.

Social media lit up with reactions:

• @Diane_PB63 wrote: “#EastEnders Stacey should of recognised Max voice.”

• @Olivia121994_ added: “Sorry, there’s no way Stacey wouldn’t recognise Max’s voice! #EastEnders.”

• @karldenniss commented: “Today’s #EastEnders is brilliant yet again, but are we seriously meant to believe that Stacey wouldn’t recognise Max’s voice?”

Others joked that the reveal will only make Stacey’s eventual discovery of the affair more explosive. As @eeshaa___ noted: “Stacey is about to crash tf out once she realises Max and Zoe are dating.”

What’s Next for Max and Zoe?

With Max determined to return to Walford and Zoe trapped between loyalty, family, and survival, the stage is set for another Branning family meltdown. Kat has already drawn a clear line, and Stacey’s reaction is bound to shake the Square when the truth comes out.

The fallout could reignite old rivalries, reopen wounds from Max’s past scandals, and place Zoe in the middle of one of Walford’s most dangerous love triangles.

For now, fans are left wondering: Will Max and Zoe’s secret survive, or will Walford tear them apart before their affair truly begins?