As Linda finally reveals the truth about Annie, Max's explosive reaction threatens to ruin Christmas for everyone
The truth is out
Max Branning learned the truth about little Annie in EastEnders tonight (Thursday, December 18), as Linda came clean about their daughter. Given food for thought after seeing Max step up in support of Lauren, Linda decided the time was right to tell Max that Annie is his daughter.
And, as the soap continues over the festive period, Max’s volatile reaction threatens to derail the families’ Christmas.
Here’s what happened in EastEnders tonight – and what happens next.
Max stepped up for Lauren
The locals reeled in shock at the news of Lauren’s theft. Meanwhile, Max tried to make things right by reassuring everyone that he’d recompensate the missing money himself. Back home, she tried to justify what she’d done to Peter.
Frustrated by her latest set of lies – and her inability to accept Jimmy as he is – Peter wondered whether they might be best served just ending their marriage. Afterwards, Max found Lauren in the café, where she too was thinking that Peter might be right.
Determined to step up for his family, Max joined forces with Ian to talk some sense into Peter. Realising how deeply she cared for Jimmy and her family, Peter agreed to let bygones be bygones. And, together, the Beales and the Brannings attempted to move forward.
Linda told Max the truth about Annie in EastEnders tonight
With Max staying at Peacock Palace, Elaine brainstormed ideas as to how they might keep Annie’s identity hidden from Max. But Linda was having second thoughts, and having serious considerations about coming clean.
Later, Lauren sidled up to Linda, and reassured her that she had no intention of spilling the beans about Annie. But she was convinced that he’s a changed man, and suggested that Linda give Max a chance at being a father to Annie.
That evening, Max returned home to find Linda waiting. She blurted out the truth – that Annie’s his daughter.
Max threatens to ruin Christmas in EastEnders spoilers
As next week’s episodes begin, Max is still stewing over Linda’s revelation. Lauren and Jack try to calm him down, but words of advice from Zoe lead to him making a decision that has massive repercussions for the whole family.
The next day, Max tries to set things right after his recent actions. Meanwhile, feeling let down by his dad, Oscar drowns his sorrows and drunkenly shares a terrible secret with his father.
As the Brannings and the Beales settle in for Christmas dinner, things get off to a sticky start when Cindy returns. She’s left offended when Ian and Peter tell her that she’s not welcome, so as to keep her away from Max.
When dinner gets underway, angry Max’s mood worsens, and several ugly truths are shared…
Dragons' Den: Series 23 launches with a new guest Dragon and pitches for upcycled hats, and XXXX
Dragons' Den is back in business with series 23 and a brand new (almost) line-up of exciting new guest Dragons, but what are the pitches tonight?
In the first episode of the new series, "cosmetic powerhouse" Jenna Meek makes her debut. The CEO and co-founder of REFY Beauty joins Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Steven Bartlett, and Touker Suleyman as they "grill a fresh wave of hopefuls chasing the deal of a lifetime".
Making their pitches on Dragons' Den tonight is a London-based businesswoman with some rather wild headgear, and a former pharmacist's women-only self-defence venture.
Meanwhile, there's a business that transforms smartphone memories into cherished keepsakes, and a plant-based drink powered by an East African super crop. Here's everything you need to know.
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London-based Chloe pitches her business Hat and Spicy party supplies (Credit: BBC)[/caption]
Dragons' Den pitches tonight: Hat and Spicy
London-based Chloe Messer, 32, pitches her business Hat and Spicy - a sustainable way to "reinvent pre-loved headwear as bespoke designer pieces" custom handmade to order. The hat she is wearing is from her own collection - up-cycled from a sun hat that she thrifted online.
Her fashion business and party supplies are all up-cycled and cruelty free - and pretty out there! The bold bespoke pieces have appeared in New York Fashion Week, on the cover of Vanity Fair, and Tatler Magazine. They've been worn by Jade Thirlwall, Penelope Cruz, Paloma Faith, and Ms Banks among others.
Chloe wants £50,000 in exchange for 15% of her business. She tells the Dragons: "At Hat and Spicy, our mission is simple. We take tired old hats, slip them a little magic, and turn them into the life of the party." Even better, she arrives with a custom hat for each of the Dragons!
Founder, designer and maker of the bespoke hats, Chloe reveals she started the business in 2022. On average, her hats sell for £250. Touker thinks Chloe "is very talented", while Deborah describes the hats are "really cool". Peter goes one step further and calls Chloe a "creative genius". But will anybody invest?
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A charismatic entrepreneur hopes the Dragons can picture the profits in his business, which transforms smartphone memories into cherished keepsakes.
Dragons' Den pitches tonight: XXXX
A plant-based drink powered by an East African super crop is the brainchild of two Leeds-based business partners.
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A former pharmacist steps into the ring with her own women-only self-defence venture.
Read more: Dragons' Den star Peter Jones shares 'pain' of losing his dad during emotional episode
