BBC Share By Joel Harley Dec 18 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 18 2025 As Linda finally reveals the truth about Annie, Max's explosive reaction threatens to ruin Christmas for everyone The truth is out Linda Carter Max Branning Share By Joel Harley Dec 18 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 18 2025 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. Lauren was forced to admit the truth about the charity money (Credit: BBC) 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. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers 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 shared a shocking secret (Credit: BBC) 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 makes a scene at Christmas (Credit: BBC) 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… What else happened in EastEnders tonight? As Max learned the truth about Annie, Oscar remained in a mood about Jasmine. She attempted to put things right, but he was having none of it. And, as she reflected over recent events, she crossed paths with Zoe - sharing a drink in The Vic. Meanwhile, Nigel lashed out and injured Julie, while Patrick confronted Anthony over his recent behaviour. Elsewhere, Vicki tried to let Zack down gently. Here's everything else that happened in EastEnders tonight. Jasmine bonded with her mother Jasmine paid Oscar a visit, and tried to make things right. However, he wouldn't budge from their breakup. Later, in the Square, she happened across Zoe, struggling with her shopping. The pair headed to The Vic together, where they shared a drink. As Zoe tried to give the troubled youth a pep talk, she subtly quizzed her over her family, and whether she'd ever wanted children. No, Zoe told the girl who was secretly her very much-not dead twin daughter, she never had. Ouch. Nigel turned violent With Nigel still fretting over finding the care home leaflet, Phil and Julie were at each other's throats again. Meanwhile, Nigel had lost his cufflinks, and wasn't very happy about it. As the family turned the house upside down, Julie tried to calm an increasingly irate Nigel down. He lashed out, elbowing her in the face. That evening, Julie stressed about how badly Nigel's decline was going to be. She was having serious thoughts about the care home option. However, Phil remained adamant that Nigel's palace remained in Walford. Patrick worried about Anthony Anthony's harsh words about Zoe had Patrick worried. Sitting his son down for a chat, he demanded to know what he'd done to make Sophie so scared. Still in self-pity mode, Anthony denied any wrongdoing. "I don't hurt people dad," he said. "I'm the one who gets hurt." Zack made his move In The Vic, Zack was pleased as punch with the Secret Santa gift he'd gotten for Vicki. As they shared a charged drink, Vicki realised that Zack was harboring feelings for her, and tried to let him down gently. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Dec 18 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 18 2025 Previous Story Next Story
