Jake Wood teases explosive secrets, time jumps, and a family-shaking twist in the works

The Return Fans Have Been Waiting For

EastEnders legend Max Branning is back—and his return is about to reshape everything viewers think they know about Walford’s future.

Actor Jake Wood has confirmed that Max will return to the Square on December 16, just ahead of a major New Year’s Day 2026 special that promises to shake the foundations of the BBC soap.

But this isn’t just any special. For the first time in its history, EastEnders is leaping 12 months ahead into the future.

A Flashforward with Firepower

In a groundbreaking move, the January 1st episode will flashforward to New Year’s Day 2027, offering fans a glimpse of Max’s fate one year into the future. The episode will be entirely focused on the fallout of a dramatic year for the character—and it’s filled with cryptic twists and unanswered questions.

Speaking on The One Show, Jake Wood shared:

“In the new year, you’ve got Max in a lot of trouble… Then suddenly, we cut to The Vic, and it’s not 2026—it’s 2027.”

“Max has obviously had a busy year. He’s been through drama, major events… The whole half-hour is jam-packed full of questions.”

The flashforward is designed to launch a year-long mystery arc, with viewers slowly piecing together how Max ends up in such a precarious situation.

Trouble Brewing… Wedding Bells Ringing?

Speculation among fans has already gone wild. Could Max be headed for another doomed wedding? Is someone from his past returning with a vendetta? Or is Max once again tangled in a secret that threatens to destroy lives?

Jake teased that even the cast is in the dark:

“We’re all guessing. There’s so much speculation… It’s intriguing and confusing, even for us.”

Building to a Shocking Future

EastEnders plans to spend all of 2026 building toward the flashforward’s climax, creating a suspenseful narrative puzzle that fans will track throughout the year.

“Over the next year, we’re going to build up to what we’ve seen,” Jake explained. “I think the audience is really going to love it.”