EastEnders airs a dramatic double shock for Stacey Slater next week. Not only does her ex-lover Max Branning make a surprise return to Walford, she also discovers he’s been having a secret affair with her cousin Zoe.
The bombshells come as Stacey prepares to leave for a new start in Brazil, but will Max’s unexpected reappearance change her plans?
A new storyline sees big brother Sean ask Stacey to live with him in Brazil, but Lily eventually decides that she doesn’t want to go as it would be disruptive for her little girl Charli.
After much to-ing and fro-ing among the family about whether Stacey should stay or go, she announces at her leaving drinks that she’s changed her mind and will remain in Walford after all.
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Lily fears her mother has made the wrong decision, unaware of the drama about to unfold…
With the locals gathered for the surprise wedding that Peter Beale has sprung on Lauren Branning, excitement mounts in a packed Queen Vic. Adding to the tension of whether the couple will tie the knot is the last-minute arrival of a very special guest – the father of the bride is here.
As Max surveys the scene of stunned faces, Stacey reels – while Zoe puts on her best game face.
Nobody knows that Max and Zoe hooked up earlier this year away from the Square, and how badly their fling ended. Believing their dalliance was done and dusted, Zoe is seriously shaken to see him.
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Oblivious, for now, that she’s not the only Slater siren Max has history with, Stacey makes it clear she wants nothing to do with her ex. But considering their complicated history, could there still be unfinished business between them?
Kat clocks Zoe chatting to Max and warns him off her daughter, not realising this isn’t the first time they’ve met.
Meanwhile, Stacey is so flustered by her old flame’s presence that she has second thoughts about moving to Brazil. After encouragement from Lily and Zoe, Stacey does a U-turn and decides to get on the plane after all, but not before Max corners her wanting to catch up. Despite her defences being up, can Stacey really resist Max after all these years?
While Stacey struggles with her emotions, she later spies him snogging someone else from across the Square – and can’t believe who it is.
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“When Stacey sees Max and Zoe kiss, it’s such a shock,” reveals Lacey Turner, who plays the EastEnders favourite.
“She had no idea they even knew each other. She’s in such disbelief and feels betrayed by Zoe, but this is typical Max behaviour. Seeing them together confirms Stacey needs to go to Brazil…”
Will Stacey settle her score with Max and Zoe before leaving town? Or will ladies’ man Max try and charm her into staying, for old times’ sake?
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
