Max Branning (Jake Wood) caused an awful lot of trouble before he left EastEnders in 2021.

The character is back in Walford this coming week ready for Lauren Branning’s (Jacqueline Jossa) wedding to Peter Beale (Thomas Law).

Max and Lauren’s relationship is still in a difficult place following Abi Branning’s death. The character died after falling off the Queen Vic roof, amid the storyline that saw Max try and get revenge on every single person who believed he killed Lucy Beale.

In this plot, Max also tried to destroy Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), who let him take the fall for Lucy’s murder to protect her son Bobby (Clay Milner Russell), who actually killed her.

After blackmailing Steven into setting Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) restaurant on fire, Max held Jane hostage while inside.

However, Steven tried to go back into the burning building to rescue Jane. It was this moment that ultimately led to his death, which occurred in hospital.

Steven’s mum Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) has returned to Albert Square in the time Max has been away. She’s faced reminders of her past and lost loved ones, but is now trying to focus on her future and the family she still has.

In true soap style though, things are going to change this coming week, as Cindy comes face to face with the man who killed her son.

Before this, Peter is busy preparing a surprise wedding for Lauren. As the drama kicks off, Lauren gets another massive shock when Max enters the pub.

While Walford residents reel at Max’s return, Cindy is busy in The Albert with new employee Jasmine (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness).

Jasmine casually mentions Max being back in Albert Square, leaving Cindy stunned. With Jasmine not really clued up on the chaos Max was responsible for, she’s taken aback to watch Cindy furiously march over to the pub, ready to face him.

What will happen next?!

Aside from Cindy and Lauren, Max’s dynamic with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) will be revisited, there’s also Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) to think about, AND the fact Max shares a past with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).