After months of speculation, Jake Wood has officially confirmed he will reprise his role as Max Branning in EastEnders, ending a four-year hiatus from the BBC soap. The actor, who first joined the show in 2006, shared the news on Instagram, wrote “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.”
Wood’s return is set to begin with a short appearance this autumn, followed by a more permanent comeback later in the year. It marks the first time the character will return to Albert Square since exiting in February 2021.
His departure back then was fuelled by an affair with Linda Carter and the fallout it triggered including the suspension of his brother Jack from the police force. Max later left for New Zealand to join his daughter Lauren and grandson Louie.
In his statement, Wood said, “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 welcomed the actor’s return, said, “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,” added Wadey.
Max Branning’s character is synonymous with scandal, betrayal, and emotional complexity and return of it is already being hailed as a major moment for the show.
About Author
Leave a Reply