logo
EastEnders' Max Branning returns as Jake Wood reprises his role

EastEnders' Max Branning returns as Jake Wood reprises his role

BBC News11-07-2025
Max Branning is bursting his way back into Walford as Jake Wood reprises his legendary role later this autumn.
In another exciting move from EastEnders new Executive Producer, Ben Wadey, Max's arrival is guaranteed to cause no end of trouble for the residents of Walford and will put the Brannings back into the heart of the Square, and the drama…
Watch EastEnders on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist
Max first landed on our screens in 2006 and was quickly established for being a self-destructive, serial womaniser, whose behaviour tore apart his family and put Max at the forefront of some of the show's most iconic storylines. From his long-running affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater that was revealed in epic fashion on Christmas Day, his ongoing feud with the Beales and the Mitchell's, to finding himself as the prime suspect in Lucy Beale's murder which later saw his character imprisoned, it's safe to say that Max has more enemies than most…
Max left Walford back in 2021 when his affair with Linda Carter ended after she revealed her true feelings for husband Mick, and his subsequent meddling resulted in brother Jack Branning's suspension from his job with the police.
With daughter Lauren expected to marry into the Beale's, tearaway teenage son Oscar back in Walford, Stacey Slater widowed, and a secret daughter with ex-lover Linda yet to be discovered, Max has more than enough unfinished business in Walford awaiting his return…
Max will return briefly later this autumn, with his permeant return scheduled for later in the year.
On reprising his role, actor Jake Wood says: "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. 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."
EastEnders Executive Producer, Ben Wadey adds: "I'm delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning. Whilst 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 checkered 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 Branning last appeared on screen on 19 February 2021 when he left Walford and granddaughter Abi behind following the breakdown of his affair with Linda Carter. Max first arrived in Walford on 27 June 2006 alongside then wife Tanya Branning, and their two daughters, Lauren and Abi.
Max will first arrive on screen later this autumn, with his permanent return scheduled for later in the year.
CT3
Follow for more
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

I wanted a lowkey wedding so didn't bother with a dress or cake, trolls say a broke uni party would look better
I wanted a lowkey wedding so didn't bother with a dress or cake, trolls say a broke uni party would look better

The Sun

time20 minutes ago

  • The Sun

I wanted a lowkey wedding so didn't bother with a dress or cake, trolls say a broke uni party would look better

A COUPLE who opted for a budget-friendly wedding shared the details of their savvy day. However, not everyone was a fan of the scrimping and saving, with some people comparing the occasion to a "broke uni party". 2 In a TikTok video that amassed over 200,000 views, Amie Barron (@amie_barron) broke down the steps she and her groom took to pinch pennies. With the average wedding costing £200,500, the pair made a conscious effort to cut down on various aspects. Amie joked that some of the extreme measures "would put people in a coma". Veering from tradition The bride decided to opt out of the wedding dress tradition, instead choosing a comfy everyday outfit. "We didn't dress up. We wore flannels, jeans, and boots," she said, sharing a picture with her husband from the big day. Amie and her bridal party also did their own hair and make up for the occasion. And the TikToker joked that she also took her shoes off "as soon as I said 'I do'." While the couple still forked out for a venue for the day, Amie explained that they saved by holding the ceremony and reception in the same room. And the venue in question was the party room at their local library. For the food, the couple decided to skip out on the "fancy meal and fancy cake". I was fuming when I found out the reason my family hadn't RSVP-ed to my wedding - now they're uninvited Amie shared an image of the simple cake they opted for instead, which featured a simple Mr. & Mrs. topper, showing the couple's love for video games and reading. And this passion for gaming also played a major part in the day as the couple went home early to play Fortnite. They did however enjoy some dancing to a playlist Amie made in advance, skipping out on the band or DJ debate. "We didn't want anything big or fancy," she explained, revealing the day went perfectly. However, TikTok users were not sold on the budget-friendly approach. Unimpressed reactions "Seen broke uni parties organised better," wrote one viewer. "Why bother? Just sign the paperwork," pointed out another follower. "Playing Fortnite after your wedding must be the saddest thing I've ever heard," commented a third person. More on weddings Another bride shared how her mother-in-law wore white to her wedding and excluded her from photos "in case it didn't work out". One woman was set on a three-course meal for her wedding but ended up with a fast food buffet of fried chicken. And a monstrosity of a wedding cake that still leaves the bride in tears after paying £300. Plus, tips on how to say no to being a bridesmaid without upsetting the bride. A mother-in-law was slammed by bride for wearing an identical wedding gown. 2

Pride and Prejudiced! Scots star Freya Mavor's dramatic reveal
Pride and Prejudiced! Scots star Freya Mavor's dramatic reveal

Daily Mail​

time20 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Pride and Prejudiced! Scots star Freya Mavor's dramatic reveal

Film and TV adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novel Pride and Prejudice are some of the most famous period dramas ever to grace the silver screen. However, despite being cast in the latest incarnation of the renowned love story, Scots actress Freya Mavor has admitted she isn't the biggest fan of the genre. Due to be broadcast by streaming giant Netflix, the new show also features The Crown stars Olivia Colman and Emma Corrin, as well as fellow Scot Jack Lowden, who takesa on the role of the brooding Mr Darcy. And it isn't the first time Mavor has taken part in a period drama. She is currently starring as a duplicitous thief in BBC series Marie Antoinette. However, discussing what similar TV shows and films she has watched in preparation for her role on the Beeb, Ms Mavor admitted it isn't a TV genre she consumes much of. Discussing her preparation for her role on Marie Antoinette, Ms Mavor told the Mail on Sunday: 'I definitely didn't do any period drama watching for research. 'I definitely did much more like reading and I also sort of watched other things that would inspire me for her character and for her role in the world.' She added: 'To be fair, I'm not a huge watcher of period dramas.' However, Ms Mavor was quick to point out that despite not watching many of them, she finds those she has seen 'gripping'. She said: 'Amazingly done period dramas [are] so gripping. The other worldliness of them is always very like enticing.' Ms Mavor will play Jane Bennet in the Regency drama, following in the footsteps of Maureen O'Sullivan, Rosamund Pike and Susannah Harker, who have all played the role on screen. Her cast-member Emma Corrin meanwhile will play the lead role of Elizabeth Bennet - a role made famous by the likes of Keira Knightley and Jennifer Ehle, who played the love interest to Colin Firth. Ms Mavor, 31, lived in La Rochelle in France after moving from Edinburgh when she was nine. She came back to Scotland's capital at 14 before leaving for Bristol to star in her breakout role, Mini in Channel 4 drama Skins. And it isn't just Ms Mavor who has starred in period dramas before. Lowden, from Oxton in the Borders, starred in Mary Queen of Scots - the film where he met his future wife Saoirse Ronan. His part as Mr Darcy will see him take on a role famously portrayed by Colin Firth.

Nepo-baby model stuns in glamorous photoshoot as she follows in mum's showbiz footsteps – can you tell she is?
Nepo-baby model stuns in glamorous photoshoot as she follows in mum's showbiz footsteps – can you tell she is?

The Sun

time20 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Nepo-baby model stuns in glamorous photoshoot as she follows in mum's showbiz footsteps – can you tell she is?

THIS up-and-coming model with a famous mum looks sensational as she posed up a storm for a stunning new photoshoot. The 19-year-old looked incredible as she posed for sultry pics, donning a black suit-like outfit and hotpants with sheer black tights and heels. 6 With her voluminous blonde hair windswept as she posed against a plain white background, the young star looked like she meant business as she stared angrily at the camera. Showing off her killer legs, you can tell she has been inspired by her pose-loving mother to play up to the cameras and follow in her footsteps. Can you tell who her mum is from the pics? It's Lexi Hughes – the eldest daughter of Heart Radio and Britain's Got Talent judge, Amanda Holden and husband Chris Hughes. Amanda has been cheering Lexie on from the sidelines, giving her a love of fashion as she kitting her out with a massive wardrobe over the years to make sure she always looks glam. Lexi has been signed to Kate Moss's modelling agency Storm since she was 16, and has been seen on runways as she looks set to follow modelling as a career. Amanda, 54, previously opened up that she gets confused for the older sister of her two young daughters – her second daughter Hollie is 13 – but admitted Lexie doesn't always appreciate the comments. 'I think they find it a bit embarrassing,' she admitted to The Sun in April. 'Lexi said that there are a lot of people at uni who make cheeky comments, which I find very flattering. 'Hollie doesn't really give a damn. But I do have to walk behind her. She doesn't want anyone to know I'm her mother!' Amanda Holden shows off 19-year-old daughter Lexi's HUGE walk-in wardrobe with dozens of bags at £7m Surrey mansion The last year has seen some big changes in the family house, with Lexi finding love and becoming more prominent on social media. Lexi no longer lives in her mum and adds £5million Surrey mansion, and is currently studying at university – something that Amanda admits has given her empty nest syndrome. 'I miss her like crazy and it's really weird sitting down to a family meal with just the three of us,' she said. 'The house does feel a bit empty, so I'm just gradually filling it up with more pets.' 6 6 6

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store