BBC EastEnders legend to make dramatic return after 4 years
Jake Wood, who plays the role of Max Branning, will reportedly be arriving back on the BBC soap later this year as he has 'loads of unfinished business'.
The 52-year-old was last seen in Walford in 2021, when he departed the programme after 15 years.
Jake's comeback to Albert Square has been revealed as his former on-screen partner Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) prepares to leave the show this year.
Max Branning's return to EastEnders will 'ruffle some feathers'
A TV source told The Sun: 'Jake's return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show.
'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.'
Since The Sun announced the news about Jake's return to EastEnders, many fans have taken to social media to share their excitement, with some saying his upcoming Watford arrival is 'going to be epic'.
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Commenting under Jake's recent Instagram post, this EastEnders viewer asked: 'Is it true that Max is back?!?!?'
Another hopeful wrote: 'Can't wait for you to come back to Albert Square.'
While a third person said: 'Well can't wait to see you back in Albert square mr branning. going to be epic !!!!'
Earlier this year, Jake opened up about how he missed being on the BBC soap, and spoke about the 'terrifying, but great fun' live episodes and the 'hard' schedules.
He explained: 'I don't miss the schedules. Anyone will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people.
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'When you're at the centre of a big storyline like EastEnders Christmas, something like that — it's a real thrill as an actor to be a part of that, big storylines, big characters.
'I did about two or three live episodes and they were always terrifying, but great fun.'
EastEnders has declined to comment.
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