EastEnders fans ‘work out' wild new romance for returning Max Branning

Metro

2 days ago

EastEnders fans are already speculating about Max Branning's (Jake Wood) return.
It was reported over the weekend that the love rat would be heading back to Albert Square after four years.
The last time we saw him, Max decided to call time on his life in Walford to join daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and grandson Louie in New Zealand.
It later transpired that Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) – who he had an affair with the previous year – was pregnant with their daughter Annie.
Lauren first met her younger sister last year, though it hasn't been made clear if she ever told Max that he fathered another child.
In scenes that air this week, her newborn son Jimmy will be diagnosed with a visual impairment, with Linda comforting her through the difficult news.
Is this what will bring Max home?
'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.'
His scandalous relationship with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was also referenced recently.
Back in 2007, almost 15 million of us tuned in to see their affair exposed on Christmas Day in front of the entire Branning and Slater families. One of their dalliances – on Stacey's wedding day to Max's son Bradley (Charlie Clements), no less – had been recorded by Lauren (then Madeline Duggan).
Despite the obvious history, viewers are convinced that he's probably eyeing up another resident.
Cindy flippin' Beale (Michelle Collins)!
Surely it's only a matter of time before womaniser Max seeks out a new Walford lady, and while it's likely that he's likely that a reunion with Stacey will be at the top of his list, they're never going to be able to play happy families.
Now I'm now advocating Cindy Beale as the most grounded of residents, but given she's here for the long-term and has literally zero friends or family on her side, it's about time she starts settling down.
Ian will always be the one for her – there's no doubt about that – but as much as they love one another, they're just not compatible. Almost four decades of baggage has proved testament to that.
As for Max, there's always the likelihood that old feelings could resurface for Linda too, especially when he realises they share a daughter.
It's certainly going to be an interesting return!
Even if a romance doesn't happen, they'll certainly share scenes as Max was responsible for the death of her eldest son Steven (Aaron Sidwell).
At one point he was also chief suspect in the murder investigation of Cindy's daughter Lucy (Hetti Bywater).
'Before Max and Cindy predictably get together. Some things need to be re-addressed. He was sleeping with Lucy and ultimately was the reason Steven died' said one fan. More Trending
'Max Branning coming back to #EastEnders 50 quid bet that he ends up in Cindy's bed before the end of the year!' added another.
A third demanded: 'Max Branning finally on his way back to Albert Square is the news I needed. I need the Max and Cindy partnership ASAP.'
Shameful Cindy doesn't care who she upsets, and sleeping with the man who tore her family apart is definitely something she'd consider!
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This article was first published on May 19, 2025. Will Max and Cindy get together?
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