Latest news with #BenWadey
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Jake Wood breaks silence on Max Branning's bombshell return to EastEnders as BBC reveals when he'll appear on screen
JAKE Wood has broken his silence about returning to EastEnders. The Sun exclusively revealed how the actor will make a shock return later this year as the chaotic loverat Max Branning. 2 2 And now actor Jake has confirmed the news and revealed when he will be seen back on screen. Max will return briefly later this autumn just four years after leaving the show, while his permeant return scheduled for later in the year. Jake said: '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.' New EastEnders Executive Producer, Ben Wadey added: '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.' The BBC soap is also welcoming back Max's son Oscar, with Pierre Moullier taking over the role. A source told The Sun earlier this year: 'It is an exceptional bout of casting - Pierre looks more like a younger Jake than Jake did himself. It's uncanny. 'He's going to bring something new to Oscar and the character will definitely set the cat amongst the pigeons in the Square.'
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders legend returns to soap after 27 years off screens for 'awful surprise' - as star admits 'it's scary how fast the time has gone'
EastEnders legend Karen Henthorn is set to return to the BBC soap after 27 years off screens for an 'awful surprise'. The actress, 62, played Julie Bates on the show between 1997 and 1998. Karen did make a voice cameo in Walford again this year, but now she's back for good. Her alter-ego was last seen in Walford 27 years ago when she moved to Scotland with her husband Nigel (Paul Bradley). But as viewers will know, Nigel returned to the Square in 2024, and told everyone that they had split... but it was actually he wanted to deal with his dementia by himself. The cafe worker felt as if he was weighing his wife down. However she's about to make it clear that she's around to help - by returning to the Square. Karen said of reprising her role: 'It's very surreal to be back in Albert Square after 27 years and working with the delightful Paul Bradley again - it's scary how fast the time has gone! 'Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive. 'It's been great to film with Paul and Steve (McFadden), who are such lovely actors, as Julie discovers Nigel's dementia diagnosis and why he chose to hide it from her.' Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: 'We are delighted to have Karen Henthorn returning to reprise her role as Julie, who arrives looking for Nigel. 'Julie hasn't seen Nigel in almost two years and is unaware of his diagnosis and reasons for leaving, so her arrival will pose questions for the pair of them.' EastEnders isn't the only role that Karen has held on a soap over the years - she also played Teresa Bryant on Coronation Street between 2007 and 2009. She's also been in Doctors, Heartbeat and Trollied. The star also played the school inspector in Young Dracula. More recently she took on the role of Emily in The Listeners.
The Irish Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Shock exit for EastEnders star after two years as new boss makes sweeping changes
EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is leaving the show after two years as new boss Ben Wadey makes sweeping changes. The actress plays Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight and arrived in 2023 as part of the new family taking over the iconic boozer. Advertisement 3 Molly Rainford is to leave EastEnders after two years Credit: Getty 3 The actress has played Anna Knight since 2023 Credit: BBC 3 She joined the soap after becoming runner up on Strictly in 2022 Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston But just two years later discussions with bosses led to Strictly star Molly deciding to leave the show to pursue new opportunities. A source said: 'New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges. 'She's hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.' The BBC have confirmed Molly's exit saying: 'We can confirm that future .' Advertisement Read more on EastEnders An insider added: 'Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines. 'It's just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.' Molly found fame aged 11 on Britain's Got Talent before becoming a TV presenter and actress on CBBC. In 2022 she was the runner up on Strictly Come Dancing, losing out to wildlife cameraman Advertisement Most read in Soaps Molly is the fourth star to leave under Ben Wadey's new tenure. Bernie Winter star Huge EastEnders star to QUIT soap after four years 'to look for other opportunities' And her on-screen cousin, next month. Advertisement
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Shock exit for EastEnders star after two years as new boss makes sweeping changes
EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is leaving the show after two years as new boss Ben Wadey makes sweeping changes. The actress plays Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight and arrived in 2023 as part of the new family taking over the iconic boozer. 3 3 3 But just two years later discussions with bosses led to Strictly star Molly deciding to leave the show to pursue new opportunities. A source said: 'New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges. 'She's hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.' The BBC have confirmed Molly's exit saying: 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.' An insider added: 'Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines. 'It's just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.' Molly found fame aged 11 on Britain's Got Talent before becoming a TV presenter and actress on CBBC. In 2022 she was the runner up on Strictly Come Dancing, losing out to wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin. Molly is the fourth star to leave under Ben Wadey's new tenure. Bernie Winter star Clair Norris was left upset by her axing earlier this year. And her on-screen cousin, Matthew James Morrison, who plays Felix Baker, is to leave alongside her next month.
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders' CONFIRM fan favourite returning to BBC soap after eight-years away from Albert Square
Oscar Branning is heading back to Albert Square after eight years away from EastEnders. The character, who hasn't featured in a storyline since 2017, is being recast with newcomer Pierre Moullier stepping into the role previously played by Charlee Hall. Oscar is the son of Tanya Branning, who left Walford years ago to escape her volatile marriage, taking a young Oscar with her. His last on-screen appearance was a fleeting one nearly a decade ago, when he returned briefly to celebrate Father's Day with Max at the Queen Vic. Now 17, Oscar has mostly stayed out of the family chaos in the past, unlike his sisters Lauren and Abi. But with his return next month, it looks like drama is on the horizon - and this time, Oscar may be stepping into the spotlight himself. Sharing his excitement about joining the soaps cast, Pierre told The Mirror: 'It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square. 'Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!' Meanwhile executive producer Ben Wadey gushed: 'I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up.' Ben promised plenty of drama as he brings Oscar's character back to life for viewers. But Oscar's character is not the only one to be making a comeback, actor Jake Wood is also set to reprise his role as Max Branning later this year. His return comes a year after he celebrated being sober for over 20 years in December 2023. The actor, 52, opened up about his past struggles with alcohol as he filmed himself from his hot tub while reflecting on life. The soap star wore a woolly hat as he enjoyed a cigar while sending an inspirational message to his followers. Posting on Twitter, he said: 'So I'm sat here in a hot tub, having a cigar, it's pretty cool. 'And just reflecting on how grateful I am for all the amazing things I've got in my life. I've got an amazing family, beautiful family, fantastic friends. Everyone is happy and healthy. 'Also, and I don't really talk about this often, I just want to say that tonight I'm 20 years sober. [I] stopped drinking 20 years ago tonight and that changed my life in so many ways. 'It's immeasurable. So anyone on the same journey, I send you love and support, and if anyone's struggling there's help out there, alright?' He signed off by saying: 'You can do it. Love you guys. Happy New Year.' Jake captioned the post: 'I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey. 'If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love & strength and a happy and healthy 2024.' Jake was inundated with support from friends and fans, including some of his former co-stars. Musician Nitin Sawhney wrote: 'Congratulations and have a great new year, Jake.' Danny Robbins, writer of West End production 2:22 A Ghost Story which Jake Wood has starred in, penned: 'Well done Jake. Great achievement. Happy New Year. See you soon x'.
