Latest news with #MaxBranning
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders 'is bringing back an iconic character' in shock recast after an eight-year absence from the Square
EastEnders has reportedly decided to bring back an iconic character who has not been spotted in the Square for nearly a decade. In another shocking recast, the legendary soap is said to see the return of Max Branning's son Oscar, according the Sun. But the character, who has not had a story line since 2017, will not be played by Charlee Hall but it will be recast to Pierre Moullier. A source told the publication: '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.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. This will be Pierre's soap debut as he has previously appeared in as a 'boy in the street' during one episode of Cast Offs. MailOnline has contacted representatives for the show for a comment. Actor Jake Wood is also set to reprise his role as Max Branning later this year, in a return much-anticipated by fans following a four-year absence. Jake's return comes a year after he celebrated being sober for over 20 years. The actor, 51, 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. The soap star played Max Branning in the BBC soap from 2006 to 2021 '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'. And this is not the only exciting news for the BBC soap as they are set to battle it out against Emmerdale for the top categories at the British Soap Awards 2025 this month, with each show receiving 13 nominations. The two shows have eclipsed rivals Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, who have secured 11 nominations each ahead of the ceremony on May 31. The glitzy event will be returning to London to Hackney Empire, after previously taking place in Manchester, and will once again be hosted by Jane McDonald as it returns following a surprise hiatus last year. As always, the numerous accolades will be presented by an array of well-known faces from across the TV and showbiz world, with the TV event broadcasting a few days later in a primetime slot. The ceremony will celebrate a mammoth year in soaps looking back on 12 months of murder, mystery, make-ups, break ups, trials, tribulations and tears. An incredible year saw Gail Platt depart the cobbles after 50 years in Coronation Street and EastEnders celebrate its 40th anniversary. Lacey Turner has been nominated for Best Leading Performer for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders ahead of the May 31 ceremony Ned Porteous will compete for Villain of the Year at the awards thanks to his fine performances as Joe Tate in Emmerdale Meanwhile Hollyoaks leapt a year into the future and in Emmerdale a dramatic limousine crash into a frozen lake left viewers stunned. The Viewer Voted Categories include Best British Soap, Best Leading Performer, Villain of the Year and Best Comedy Performance. The nominees for Best Leading Performer are Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders), Kellie Bright (Linda Carter, EastEnders), Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale) and Beth Cordingly (Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale). And the public has a tough choice when it comes to Villain of the Year with Calum Lill (Joel Deering, Coronation Street), Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar, EastEnders), Ned Porteous (Joe Tate, Emmerdale) and Tyler Conti (Abe Fielding, Hollyoaks) to choose from. The Best Comedy Performance category includes Jack P Shepherd (David Platt, Coronation Street), Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson, EastEnders), Nicola Wheeler (Nicola King, Emmerdale) and Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra McQueen, Hollyoaks). The ceremony, which first began in 1999, was rested in 2024 but is back with Jane hosting the ceremony which will air on ITV1 and ITVX in June. Viewer Voted Categories: Best British Soap: Coronation Street EastEnders Emmerdale Hollyoaks Best Leading Performer: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders) Kellie Bright (Linda Carter, EastEnders) Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale) Beth Cordingly (Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale) Villain of the Year: Calum Lill (Joel Deering, Coronation Street) Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar, EastEnders) Ned Porteous (Joe Tate, Emmerdale) Tyler Conti (Abe Fielding, Hollyoaks) Best Comedy Performance: Jack P Shepherd (David Platt, Coronation Street) Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson, EastEnders) Nicola Wheeler (Nicola King, Emmerdale) Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra McQueen, Hollyoaks) Panel Voted Categories: Best Family: The Platts (Coronation Street) The Slaters (EastEnders) The Dingles (Emmerdale) The Osbornes (Hollyoaks) Best Dramatic Performance: Peter Ash (Paul Foreman, Coronation Street) Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell, EastEnders) Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale) Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne, Hollyoaks) Best Single Episode: Mason's death (Coronation Street) Phil's psychosis: the Mitchells in 1985 (EastEnders) April's life on the streets (Emmerdale) Hollyoaks time jump (Hollyoaks) Best On-Screen Partnership: Alison King and Vicky Myers (Carla Connor and Lisa Swain, Coronation Street) Rudolph Walker and Angela Wynter (Patrick and Yolande Trueman, EastEnders) William Ash and Beth Cordingly (Caleb and Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale) Nathaniel Dass and Oscar Curtis (Dillon Ray and Lucas Hay, Hollyoaks) Best Newcomer: Jacob Roberts (Kit Green, Coronation Street) Laura Doddington (Nicola Mitchell, EastEnders) Shebz Miah (Kammy Hadiq, Emmerdale) Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne, Hollyoaks) Best Storyline: Paul's battle with MND (Coronation Street) Phil Mitchell: Hypermasculinity in crisis (EastEnders) Belle and Tom - Domestic Abuse (Emmerdale) Sibling sexual abuse (Hollyoaks) Best Young Performer: Will Flanagan (Joseph Winter-Brown, Coronation Street) Sonny Kendall (Tommy Moon, EastEnders) Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor, Emmerdale) Noah Holdsworth (Oscar Osborne, Hollyoaks) Scene of the Year: Mason's death (Coronation Street) Angie Watts' shock return (EastEnders) Amy's deathly plunge reveals a grisly secret (Emmerdale)
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The 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 return of Max Branning to Walford as actor Jake Wood reprises the role he left four years ago. 3 3 3 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 Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans in uproar after bungling BBC lets slip huge Queen Vic spoiler months before it appears on screens
EASTENDERS fans are in uproar after the bungling BBC let slip a huge Queen Vic spoiler months before it is due to appear on screen. This comes as former Strictly Come Dancing star Jake Wood will return to the soap in his role as Max Branning. 6 6 6 EastEnders took to the official social media account on TikTok with a new behind the scenes video featuring some of the stars. A clip on social media shows the actors that play Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and his on-screen mother Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington). The actresses that play Avani (Aaliyah James) and Priya (Sophie Khan Levy) were also on set in front of the Vic. However, fans have noticed that a sign that was placed on the door of the Vic, indicating that the infamous boozer would up for sale in an upcoming plot. One fan took to the Walford Web fan forum as they wrote: "Rumours that the Vic could be up for sale based on the latest TikTok." Fans couldn't help but flood the comments section with remarks, as they think this could have something to do with Max Branning's return. Many also hated the idea that Linda (Kellie Bright) and Elaine (Harriet Thorpe) will no longer be behind the bar. Another fan posted: "Yeah, definitely looks like The Vic up for sale. Max back taking over The Vic." While a third commented: "Coming in and immediately throwing the Carter-Knights out of The Vic ain't gonna earn Wadey any brownie points with me." "I love Linda in The Vic though. It just suits her," angrily stated a fourth user. EastEnders win TV Bafta for the first time in six years after Emmerdale was forced to withdraw While someone else noted: "Max isn't a publican, he's a used car salesman. Not every character can just be plonked into The Vic and work. Linda and Elaine were literally made for The Vic." And a fifth fumed: Oh gawd please NOT bloody Max in the Vic!! What the f*** is the point in anyone else taking over right now when the Knights have only just had it rebuilt and moved back in? They added: "I'm fine with Linda leaving it behind and moving out with the young kids, in fact i'd welcome it, but we don't need completely new owners." This comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed that Jake Wood is making a shock return later this year. EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year. Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had "quit" the long-running series. It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford. Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would "quit out of boredom" over recent storylines. Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame. One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel. Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay 's Netflix movie 6 Underground. Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. He initially quit the long-running serial drama in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other projects. The comeback of Max coincides with the departure of his former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner. 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. "There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers." 6 6 6
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.
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."
