Max Branning's EastEnders return 'sealed' four years after emotional exit

EastEnders fans are convinced Max Branning (Jake Wood) will be returning to the Square after spotting a 'huge clue' during recent episodes.

It's been an emotional week in Albert Square as the residents prepare for Martin Fowler's funeral. The emotional scenes are set to air next week, over a month after his tragic death during the 40th anniversary. However, it's not all doom and gloom in the Square, as one couple had huge news to share.

Lauren recently had a change of heart after rejecting Peter's proposal in Beale's Eels after he had missed their baby scan. Upon finding the ring Peter proposed with, she realised she should have said yes.

After learning his grandmother Kathy attacked his mother Cindy, Peter told Lauren his family represents his past, while she represents his future.

Lauren then got down on one knee in the middle of the Square, and he proudly accepted. Since then, the couple have been congratulated by residents - but fans think more congratulations are in order from one character in particular.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans were buzzing as they predicted which huge characters would be returning for the big day. Many are certain Lauren's dad Max will be making a highly anticipated return to the Square.

"so a max return for peter and lauren’s wedding??" penned one, as another responded: "Need that immediately".

"Max, Tanya and Oscar’s return looms surely #eastenders," predicted another, while a fourth penned: "I think Cindy will definitely come back for the wedding - either alone or with Max. Lauren will give birth on her wedding day and Cindy will reveal that she shot Ian in February. This will create further tensions between Peter Ian & Kathy later down the line."

In September 2020, it was announced that Jake Wood would be stepping down from his role as Max Branning after 15 years. His final scenes aired five months later. Prior to this, he had an affair with Linda amidst her failing marriage to Mick.

The two then planned on leaving to go to New Zealand, where Max would be closer to his daughter Lauren, but Linda had a change of heart and told Max she was still in love with Mick.

After realising there was nothing left for him in Walford, he left for Croatia, hand in hand with his granddaughter Abi.

During the soap's 40th anniversary in February, Jake was asked if he'd be making a return to the soap. "I miss elements of it," he said on talkSport Breakfast. I don’t miss the schedules. Anyone who works on the soap will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people."

Will Max be making a return for his daughter's wedding?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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