Max Branning Steps Back into Walford

Walford is bracing for chaos as Max Branning (Jake Wood) makes his long-awaited return after four years away. He reappears just in time for daughter Lauren’s (Jacqueline Jossa) surprise wedding to Peter Beale (Thomas Law)—and tensions flare immediately.

Thomas Law revealed that while Peter and Max initially share a civil moment, it doesn’t last long. “There’s unfinished business there, absolutely,” he explained. “They do have a nice first engagement when they see each other, although Max comes in at a terrible time! But I think that’s the first and only time that they’ll be civil.”

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A Bitter History Between the Beales and Max

The hostility runs deep. Max’s affair with Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) led to his wrongful imprisonment after her death—a crime later revealed to be committed by Lucy’s brother Bobby. When Max was finally freed, his quest for vengeance saw him nearly destroy the Beales.

That vendetta left a trail of devastation. Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell) died in a fire linked to Max, Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) was forced out of Walford under threat, and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) became one of Max’s fiercest rivals. Even now, those scars haven’t healed.

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Peter Wants Payback

For Peter, Max’s return is personal. Law confirmed that his character hasn’t forgotten the past. “I would say Peter, now knowing that Max is back, wants revenge for things that happened when he was a kid and for everything Max has done to Lucy. There’s a list of reasons that Peter could be annoyed at Max, so if Max pushes it to the limit, he’ll be in trouble.”

This looming feud promises high drama, with Peter standing his ground against the man who tore his family apart.

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Family Divisions Deepen

Max’s comeback also stirs up trouble within the Branning family. Lauren and Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) have long cut ties with their father, and his reappearance threatens to rip open old wounds.

Meanwhile, secrets surrounding Max’s off-screen relationship with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) are set to spark fury from her cousin Stacey (Lacey Turner). Stacey’s reaction to discovering their romance is nothing short of betrayal. “She feels betrayed by Zoe, but she’s reminded that this is typical Max behaviour as it’s what he always does,” Turner said.

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More Enemies Await

It’s not just Peter, Lauren, and Stacey who will clash with Max. Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) is preparing for her own explosive showdown, still haunted by Steven’s death. With so many rivalries reignited, Max’s return places the Brannings back at the very heart of Albert Square’s drama.

Jake Wood himself teased the storm to come: “Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy. If his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.”