Latest news with #KateOates
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jake Wood returning to EastEnders
Jake Wood is returning to 'EastEnders'. The 52-year-old actor quit the soap in 2021 after 15 years, with his alter ego departing Albert Square for a new life in New Zealand, but is set to make a shock return to tackle some "unfinished business". A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: '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.' And Jake's comeback may have been hinted at by 'EastEnders' boss Kate Oates at last weekend's BAFTA Awards. The executive producer teased: '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.' Jake admitted earlier this year he missed the excitement of being part of 'EastEnders' but was happy to have said goodbye to the "all-consuming" filming schedule. 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. 'I did about two or three live episodes and they were always terrifying, but great fun.' Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Jake's onscreen daughter Lauren Branning, admitted earlier this year she'd love to see her soap dad return to the show. She told Fabulous magazine: 'I would love to see Lauren's dad Max [Jake Wood] back at some point. "There are a couple of people I'd bring back from the dead too, like Lauren's sister Abi, as well as Steven Beale, because I just feel like there'd be so much drama with his mum Cindy. "He's evil, she's a little bit evil. I just wish he hadn't died, as there was so much room for drama that could run and run."
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans work out ‘returning' star that will stun fans after spotting clue
EASTENDERS fans are convinced Max Branning will make a dramatic return to Albert Square - just in time for his daughter Lauren to give birth. Speculation has been mounting ever since executive producer Kate Oates teased a major comeback while speaking with The Sun. She told us: "If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed, because there's potentially one on the cards… There are some really big stories coming up and if it's a return you're after, then you might be interested in what's on the horizon." Naturally, fans have been poring over every word - and many believe the timing lines up perfectly for Max. Ben Mitchell's name has also been thrown into the mix, but not all viewers are keen to see him again. On Reddit, one theory quickly gained traction. A poster speculated: "Kate saying potentially seems like it's not 100% certain yet but Max or Ben seem likely, Kate has always been a massive fan of Ben's." A second disgruntled fan wrote: "I'm tired of Ben, please give us a Ben break. He comes back and then goes to prison, then just keeps doing it. Can't they do something else with his character? He comes back, 'dad doesn't love me', 'look dad I'm a hardened criminal like you', 'I'm gay btw', 'oh no I messed up'." While Ben might be a divisive choice, others are more open to the idea of another familiar face resurfacing. Another viewer offered: "I'd be open to Max, he does different stories at least," referencing Max Branning's long and complex history on the soap. There's also chatter about which characters would deliver the biggest impact. As one comment read: "I think Shirley, Max and Mick are the ones that would excite most." Lauren Branning makes bombshell confession about Cindy Beale attack in EastEnders But the idea of Shirley Carter returning raised questions about continuity, especially her messy past with Dean Wicks. 'Shirley, I don't understand the story or how they explain the reconciliation with Dean,' someone noted. Mick Carter's name also came up, though not everyone is ready to see him again. A separate fan admitted: "Mick, I still think is too early and believe the show is better without him." Max, however, remains high on many wishlists, especially with his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and baby Annie in the current picture. One user explained: "Max would be most interesting with Annie considered and also an Oscar Branning return, but think there's enough characters of that age. If it is the case then hope they find a way to make him not the most recent dark?? Max we saw." Some viewers are even holding out hope for wilder picks. A nostalgic fan chimed in: "Would love an Aunt Babe as a villain, but again think the time for that has passed." And for lovers of classic drama, a reunion of two former flames seems both exciting and exhausting. As one Redditor pleaded: "Max and/or Tanya please. Either or both would make sense, because of Lauren and the baby…but we don't need them together on screen again. The last time and when Abi died, there was no chemistry left between them and I can't be doing with another doomed reconciliation." Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, starred in EastEnders ' top storylines from 2006 to 2021. Ben Mitchell, meanwhile, was played by Max Bowden from 2019 until 2024. The role has previously been taken by Matthew Silver, Morgan Whittle, Charlie Jones, Joshua Pascoe and Harry Reid. Speaking backstage to The Sun and other media at yesterday's TV BAFTAs, producer Kate teased that there's a major return on the cards that will leave fans delighted. She said: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed, because there's potentially one on the cards. 'I think that we can tease that they're all those heartland characters have some really big stuff coming up. 'Actually, we've got some uncharted territory, which, considering we're following on the heels of Mr. Clanshaw, is quite an accolade, because he has broken quite a lot of fresh ground. 'So I think the challenge for Ben [Wadey], who is our new exec, has been to carry on kind of after Chris' success, really, but he is very much ready to do that, and we're excited as a team. 'We're going to miss Chris terribly, but we're also really excited for what's to come so there are some really, really big stories coming up, and if it's a return that you're after, then, yeah, you might be interested in what's to what's on the horizon.' Paying tribute to EastEnders' double success this month, she added: 'It's a big month for us, actually, because EastEnders won the craft BAFTA special award a couple of weeks ago, which is a recognition of what's soaps does for the industry. And what EastEnders in particular does for the industry. So yeah, for this to be today as well, it's just what a month we've had an incredible time. 'I mean, it's been incredible. Chris has been leading the show for the last last few years, and through him and the team, we've broken kind of boundaries with the genre. 'Told stories in different ways, but it's always been really character. It's been really true to DNA at the show. So So yeah, thank you, Chris for everything that you've done for us. And yeah, we're thrilled.' And former boss Chris Clenshaw added: 'It feels surreal. I can't lie, it feels phenomenal. I'm really incredibly proud of the entire team. 'It's a huge, huge team back at Elstree. You know, I think we all know how much it takes to put into a soap so kind of congratulations to Coronation Street and Casualty too. 'But I think to take these awards back to Elstree and share this with the wider team, feels amazing.' 3 3
Metro
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders boss confirms huge return is in the works
Who's it gonna be?! (Picture: BBC) Could a familiar face be making a dramatic return to Albert Square? EastEnders fans have been sent into a frenzy after a top boss tipped a fan favourite character may be making a comeback. EastEnders scooped the Best Soap and Continuing Drama trophy at the 2025 BAFTA TV Awards, taking the award back to Albert Square for the first time since 2019. This is the 10th win EastEnders has had in this category, and while sharing her excitement over the achievement, BBC's Head of Continuing Drama Kate Oates hinted we can expect an exciting character return in the near future. While she didn't give too much away, she did say: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed, because there's potentially one on the cards.' She went on to tease: 'There are some really big stories coming up, and if it's a return you're after, then you might be interested in what's on the horizon.' EastEnders took home the BAFTA to Albert Square (Picture: Getty Images for BAFTA) This announcement has sparked speculation among fans about which character we could expect to see back on our screens. As of late, the show has already seen some iconic cast members return to Albert Square as the show celebrates its 40th anniversary, including the likes of Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who made a dramatic reappearance after being presumed dead for the past 25 years. Other returns we have seen in recent times include Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), Peter Beale (Thomas Law), Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) and Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters). A fiery return is on the horizon! (Picture:BBC) As the anniversary celebrations continue, it seems the show is pulling out all the stops, and one more surprise could be just around the corner. One thing is for sure, as we have seen with Cindy Beale's return, death isn't final in Walford, so it really could be anyone! If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Richard Gadd reveals enormous pressure of Baby Reindeer has been a 'hurricane' Arrow MORE: Danny Dyer's explicit TV Baftas speech revealed after being axed from broadcast Arrow MORE: TV fans are livid after major BBC show's 'despicable' Bafta Awards snub
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders boss teases major return that will leave fans stunned as soap scoops TV Bafta award
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS boss Kate Oates has teased a huge comeback for the BBC soap as it scooped the TV BAFTA tonight. The BBC soap - that celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this month - beat out rivals Casualty and Coronation Street to win the prestigious award. 2 The soap won best soap at the TV Baftas but backstage Kate Oates teased a huge return Credit: Getty 2 Chris Clenshaw with the cast and crew accept the Soap Award for EastEnders during the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards Credit: Getty Speaking backstage to The Sun and other media, Kate teased that there's a major return on the cards that will leave fans delighted. She said: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed, because there's potentially one on the cards. 'I think that we can tease that they're all those heartland characters have some really big stuff coming up. 'Actually, we've got some uncharted territory, which, considering we're following on the heels of Mr. Clanshaw, is quite an accolade, because he has broken quite a lot of fresh ground. 'So I think the challenge for Ben [Wadey], who is our new exec, has been to carry on kind of after Chris' success, really, but he is very much ready to do that, and we're excited as a team. 'We're going to miss Chris terribly, but we're also really excited for what's to come so there are some really, really big stories coming up, and if it's a return that you're after, then, yeah, you might be interested in what's to what's on the horizon.' Paying tribute to EastEnders' double success this month, she added: 'It's a big month for us, actually, because EastEnders won the craft BAFTA special award a couple of weeks ago, which is a recognition of what's soaps does for the industry. And what EastEnders in particular does for the industry. So yeah, for this to be today as well, it's just what a month we've had an incredible time. 'I mean, it's been incredible. Chris has been leading the show for the last last few years, and through him and the team, we've broken kind of boundaries with the genre. 'Told stories in different ways, but it's always been really character. It's been really true to DNA at the show. So So yeah, thank you, Chris for everything that you've done for us. And yeah, we're thrilled.' And former boss Chris Clenshaw added: 'It feels surreal. I can't lie, it feels phenomenal. I'm really incredibly proud of the entire team. Bafta TV 2025 Winners List Here's everyone who has taken home an award at tonight's ceremony Drama Series: Blue Lights Leading Actor: Lennie James, Mr Loverman Leading Actress: Marisa Abela, Industry Entertainment: Would I Lie To You? Entertainment Performance: Joe Lycett - Late Night Lycett Factual Series: To Catch a Copper Factual Entertainment: Rob & Rylan's Grand Tour International: Shogun Supporting Actor: Ariyon Bakare, Mr Loverman Supporting Actress: Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer Limited Drama: Mr Bates Vs The Post Office Male Performance in a Comedy: Danny Dyer, Mr Bigstuff Female Performance in a Comedy: Ruth Jones, Gavin and Stacey Fellowship: Kirsty Wark News Coverage: BBC Breakfast: Post Office Special Reality: The Jury: Murder Trial Scripted Comedy: Alma's Not Normal Short Form: Quiet Life Single Documentary: Ukraine: Enemy in the Woods Special Award: ITV - Mr Bates Vs The Post Office Soap: EastEnders Live Event Coverage: Glastonbury 2024 Specialist Factual: Atomic People Sports Coverage: Paris 2024 Olympics, BBC One Children's Non-Scripted: Disability and Me (FYI Investigates) Children's Scripted: Cbeebies As You Like It At Shakespeare's Globe Current Affairs: State of Rage Daytime: Clive Myrie's Caribbean Adventure P&O Cruises Memorable Moment: Strictly Come Dancing - Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell dance to You'll Never Walk Alone 'It's a huge, huge team back at Elstree. You know, I think we all know how much it takes to put into a soap so kind of congratulations to Coronation Street and Casualty too. 'But I think to take these awards back to Elstree and share this with the wider team, feels amazing.'
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders boss teases major return that will leave fans stunned as soap scoops TV Bafta award
EASTENDERS boss Kate Oates has teased a huge comeback for the BBC soap as it scooped the TV BAFTA tonight. The BBC soap - that celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this month - beat out rivals Casualty and Coronation Street to Advertisement 2 The soap won best soap at the TV Baftas but backstage Kate Oates teased a huge return Credit: Getty 2 Chris Clenshaw with the cast and crew accept the Soap Award for EastEnders during the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards Credit: Getty Speaking backstage to The Sun and other media, Kate teased that there's a major return on the cards that will leave fans delighted. She said: 'If you like a return, I don't think you're going to be disappointed, because there's potentially one on the cards. 'I think that we can tease that they're all those heartland characters have some really big stuff coming up. 'Actually, we've got some uncharted territory, which, considering we're following on the heels of Mr. Clanshaw, is quite an accolade, because he has broken quite a lot of fresh ground. Advertisement Read more on EastEnders 'So I think the challenge for Ben [Wadey], who is our new exec, has been to carry on kind of after Chris' success, really, but he is very much ready to do that, and we're excited as a team. 'We're going to miss Chris terribly, but we're also really excited for what's to come so there are some really, really big stories coming up, and if it's a return that you're after, then, yeah, you might be interested in what's to what's on the horizon.' Paying tribute to EastEnders' double success this month, she added: 'It's a big month for us, actually, because EastEnders won the craft BAFTA special award a couple of weeks ago, which is a recognition of what's soaps does for the industry. And what EastEnders in particular does for the industry. So yeah, for this to be today as well, it's just what a month we've had an incredible time. Advertisement Most read in TV Exclusive 'I mean, it's been incredible. Chris has been leading the show for the last last few years, and through him and the team, we've broken kind of boundaries with the genre. 'Told stories in different ways, but it's always been really character. It's been really true to DNA at the show. So So yeah, thank you, Chris for everything that you've done for us. And yeah, we're thrilled.' And former boss Chris Clenshaw added: 'It feels surreal. I can't lie, it feels phenomenal. I'm really incredibly proud of the entire team. Bafta TV 2025 Winners List Here's everyone who has taken home an award at tonight's ceremony Drama Series: Blue Lights Leading Actor: Lennie James, Mr Loverman Leading Actress: Marisa Abela, Industry Entertainment: Would I Lie To You? Entertainment Performance: Joe Lycett - Late Night Lycett Factual Series: To Catch a Copper Factual Entertainment: Rob & Rylan's Grand Tour International: Shogun Supporting Actor: Ariyon Bakare, Mr Loverman Supporting Actress: Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer Limited Drama: Mr Bates Vs The Post Office Male Performance in a Comedy: Danny Dyer, Mr Bigstuff Female Performance in a Comedy: Ruth Jones, Gavin and Stacey Fellowship: Kirsty Wark News Coverage: BBC Breakfast: Post Office Special Reality: The Jury: Murder Trial Scripted Comedy: Alma's Not Normal Short Form: Quiet Life Single Documentary: Ukraine: Enemy in the Woods Special Award: ITV - Mr Bates Vs The Post Office Soap: EastEnders Live Event Coverage: Glastonbury 2024 Specialist Factual: Atomic People Sports Coverage: Paris 2024 Olympics, BBC One Children's Non-Scripted: Disability and Me (FYI Investigates) Children's Scripted: Cbeebies As You Like It At Shakespeare's Globe Current Affairs: State of Rage Daytime: Clive Myrie's Caribbean Adventure P&O Cruises Memorable Moment: Strictly Come Dancing - Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell dance to You'll Never Walk Alone 'It's a huge, huge team back at Elstree. You know, I think we all know how much it takes to put into a soap so kind of congratulations to Coronation Street and Casualty too. Advertisement 'But I think to take these awards back to Elstree and share this with the wider team, feels amazing.'
