BBC EastEnders legend Jake Wood finally breaks silence as he confirms return
EastEnders star Jake Wood is set to make a comeback to the popular BBC soap, reprising his role as Max Branning. The character was last seen on the show in February 2021.
The acting star expressed his excitement about his return, stating: "I'm over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I'm sure he'll be busy."
He added: "I'm excited to see what he's been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I'm sure there will be plenty of chaos."
Max will make a brief appearance this autumn, reports the Mirror, before making a permanent return later in the year. During his initial run on the soap, Jake became a fan favourite, with his character Max being central to several major storylines.
The Christmas Day episode where it was revealed that Max had an affair with his daughter-in-law Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, is remembered as one of the most chaotic festive specials ever.
Following his return to Albert Square, Max will discover his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) is set to marry into the Beales, Stacey is now a widow, and he has a secret daughter with ex-lover Linda yet to be discovered.
Speaking on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, the EastEnders legend described his return to the show as "quite emotional" and compared it to "a very warm hug".
He remarked: "I just felt like it was the right time. I spoke to so many people there, they're just loving being there at the moment, I had a meeting with the new executive, Ben Wadey, back in January, and we went for lunch, and he just sort of outlined all of his ideas.
"There's just so many characters that Max has got drama with, so it felt like the right time to go back and mix things up a bit."
He further commented that his character's return would be "high, high, high drama" and clarified that it would not be "friendly and warm".
EastEnders executive producer Wadey expressed: "I'm delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning.
"While his character has only been away from Albert Square for four years, Walford, and the lives of those who live in it, have changed immensely.
"Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen.
"However, with a past as chequered as Max's, it's fair to say that many Walford residents will not be pleased to see him, putting the Brannings back at the heart of the square, and the drama, this year."
Max previously departed EastEnders back in February 2021, concluding a 15 year stint on the show. Max left Albert Square after falling out with numerous family members and friends, and he relocated to New Zealand to be with his daughter Lauren and grandson Louie.
Since his last EastEnders scenes were broadcast, Jake has been keeping himself occupied, starting a podcast and featuring in the West End show 2:22: A Ghost Story.
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