Latest news with #EastEndersChristmas
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders character making shock return after eight years offscreen – but is being recast
The character has changed massively since they were last in Walford SOAP SHOCK EastEnders character making shock return after eight years offscreen – but is being recast EASTENDERS is bringing back a character last seen on screen eight years ago - in a shock recast. The Sun exclusively revealed the upcoming return of Max Branning to Walford as actor Jake Wood reprises the role he left four years ago. 3 Oscar Branning was last seen in 2017 in EastEnders - but is now returning Credit: BBC 3 Jake Wood is making a shock return as loverat Max Branning Credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes 3 Actor Pierre Moullier is playing Oscar for his comeback Credit: ISO But now it can be revealed that he won't be returning alone. The BBC soap is set to begin rebuilding one of its main families with the Brannings to take centre stage once more. Max's comeback will also see his son Oscar arrive in Walford for the first time since 2017 - and he's being played by a brand new recast. Actor Pierre Moullier will play the now teenage Oscar taking over the role from Charlee Hall who last appeared in eight years ago. A source said: '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.' Actor Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. His comeback coincides with former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, preparing to depart Walford. A telly source said: '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. EastEnders changes famous theme in honour of Max Branning's exit after 15yrs 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. He said: '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. '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.' EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far? Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago. Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago. Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago. Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019. Ricky Groves - Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009. Cliff Parisi - Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010. Ross Kemp - Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show. Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode. Earlier this month EastEnders scooped a TV Bafta for best soap — with executive producer Kate Oates teasing: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed because there's potentially one on the cards. 'We've got some uncharted territory.'
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders character making shock return after eight years offscreen – but is being recast
EASTENDERS is bringing back a character last seen on screen eight years ago - in a shock recast. The Sun exclusively revealed the upcoming Advertisement 3 Oscar Branning was last seen in 2017 in EastEnders - but is now returning Credit: BBC 3 Jake Wood is making a shock return as loverat Max Branning Credit: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes 3 Actor Pierre Moullier is playing Oscar for his comeback Credit: ISO But now it can be revealed that he won't be returning alone. The BBC soap is set to begin rebuilding one of its main families with the Brannings to take centre stage once more. Max's comeback will also see his son Oscar arrive in Walford for the first time since 2017 - and he's being played by a brand new recast. Actor Pierre Moullier will play the now teenage Oscar taking over the role from Charlee Hall who last appeared in eight years ago. Advertisement Read more on EastEnders A source said: '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.' Actor Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. His comeback coincides with former on-screen lover Advertisement Most read in Soaps A telly source said: '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. EastEnders changes famous theme in honour of Max Branning's exit after 15yrs 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. Advertisement He said: '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. '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.' EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far? Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago. Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago. Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago. Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019. Ricky Groves - Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009. Cliff Parisi - Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010. Ross Kemp - Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show. Other aspects of the Earlier this month EastEnders scooped a TV Bafta for best soap — with executive producer Kate Oates teasing: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed because there's potentially one on the cards. 'We've got some uncharted territory.' Advertisement
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
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'. The Longest-Running UK Soaps 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. Recommended reading: '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.
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders shock as legendary love rat RETURNS after 4 years as Lacey Turner prepares to leave soap
Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap - except one thing 'UNFINISHED BUSINESS' EastEnders shock as legendary love rat RETURNS after 4 years as Lacey Turner prepares to leave soap EASTENDERS star Jake Wood is making a shock return, The Sun on Sunday can reveal. The actor, 52, will reprise his role as love rat Max Branning later this year in dramatic scenes. Advertisement 3 Jake Wood is making a shock return to EastEnders Credit: BBC 3 Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years Credit: PA Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. His comeback coincides with former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, preparing to depart Walford. A telly source said: '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. Advertisement 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. He said: '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. '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. Advertisement 'I did about two or three live episodes and they were always terrifying, but great fun.' Lothario Max had four marriages and ten affairs — luring a total of 15 women into his bed, including his son Bradley's partner Stacey. EastEnders legend Jake Wood reveals he collapsed on a beach and was just minutes away from death before being saved He left Albert Square to start to a new life in New Zealand. Last weekend, EastEnders scooped a TV Bafta for best soap — with executive producer Kate Oates teasing: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed because there's potentially one on the cards. We've got some uncharted territory.' Advertisement Last night EastEnders declined to comment.
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders shock as legendary love rat RETURNS after 4 years as Lacey Turner prepares to leave soap
EASTENDERS star Jake Wood is making a shock return, The Sun on Sunday can reveal. Advertisement 3 Jake Wood is making a shock return to EastEnders Credit: BBC 3 Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years Credit: PA Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. His comeback coincides with former on-screen lover A telly source said: '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. Advertisement READ MORE ON EASTENDERS 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. He said: '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. '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. Advertisement Most read in News TV Exclusive Exclusive 'I did about two or three live episodes and they were always terrifying, but great fun.' Lothario Max had four marriages and ten affairs — luring a total of 15 women into his bed, including his son Bradley's partner Stacey. EastEnders legend Jake Wood reveals he collapsed on a beach and was just minutes away from death before being saved He left Albert Square to start to a new life in New Zealand. Last weekend, EastEnders scooped a TV Bafta for best soap — with executive producer Kate Oates teasing: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed because there's potentially one on the cards. We've got some uncharted territory.' Advertisement Last night EastEnders declined to comment. 3 The actor will reprise his role as love rat Max Branning Credit: BBC
