Max Branning is set to make a dramatic return to EastEnders as Jake Wood reprises his iconic role after 4 years away

The character, whose affair with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in 2007 is regarded as one of the BBC One soap’s biggest stories ever, was last seen in the Square in 2021 when Jake quit to pursue other projects.

After almost two decades of living in Walford, Max decided it was time to leave as he joined daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and grandson Louie in New Zealand.

Little did he know, however, at the time of his departure that Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) – who he had an affair with the previous year – was pregnant with his daughter Annie.

With a daughter he didn’t know existed coupled with the return of Lauren, who recently gave birth to his grandson baby Jimmy, there is certainly plenty of story material for Max upon his return.

‘Jake’s return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show,’ a source told The Sun.

‘It’ll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character’s reappearance means for spicing up the plots.

‘There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.’

Metro has reached out to EastEnders for comment.

Reports of Max’s return come shortly after EastEnders boss Kate Oates teased a huge Walford comeback.

‘If you like a return, I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed, because there’s potentially one on the cards,’ she said at the BAFTAS, following EastEnders winning the Best Continuing Drama award.

She went on to add: ‘There are some really big stories coming up, and if it’s a return you’re after, then you might be interested in what’s on the horizon.’

EastEnders airs weeknights at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on BBC iPlayer.