BBC Share By Joel Harley Dec 19 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 19 2025 As fans predict Max will marry in New Year's flashforward, 6 theories to who the bride could be Here comes the bride? Features Max Branning Max Branning's New Year flashforward Share By Joel Harley Dec 19 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 19 2025 Max Branning appears to be headed to a wedding next year, if EastEnders’ upcoming flashforward is anything to go by. While details still remain thin on the ground, Max is apparently wearing a wedding suit in spoiler images for the episode. But who’s getting married? With many fans theorising that Max will be tying the knot in 2027, it appears that Walford’s most prolific ladies’ man has a new romance on the horizon. Here are all the biggest predictions so far as to who Max might marry. Stacey was briefly reunited with Max earlier this year (Credit: BBC) Six predictions on Max Branning’s flashforward wife in EastEnders 1. Stacey Slater Stacey only left Walford this year – for a new life in Brazil with brother Sean – but that hasn’t stopped fans from hoping marriage to old flame Max might be in her future. The pair have been like ships in the night since their iconic affair, never formally becoming a couple during their time on Albert Square. With a new woman potentially on the horizon for Max, this has led some to wonder whether Stacey and Max might finally take their relationship seriously. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “Am I the only one hoping for a Max and Stacy wedding?” asked one fan on Reddit. “Max marrying Stacey is what we want no?” said another. Actress Lacey Turner has left the door open to her eventual return, but would she really do so for Max’s flashforward episode? Will Max and Zoe take their relationship to the next level? (Credit: BBC) 2. Zoe Slater If not Stacey, then Max has another Slater woman to fall back on – Zoe, who it was revealed he’s been carrying on with over the last year. Zoe and Max are back on good terms following the events of this week, meaning that he could well end up popping the question over the next 12 months. “I think there is more storyline potential for him to be marrying Zoe,” agreed one fan on Reddit. Enemies to lovers? (Credit: BBC) Six predictions on Max Branning’s flashforward wife in EastEnders continued 3. Cindy Beale He hasn’t even met her yet, but some fans are convinced that Max and Cindy will end up in bed before next year is out. More than that, she could end up as his flashforward bride-to-be, after the dust settles on their inevitably explosive first meeting. “Max is absolutely marrying Cindy on New Year’s Day 2027 with an enemies to lovers arc playing out through 2026,” wrote one fan. Max marrying Cindy? One can just smell the toxicity. He wouldn’t… would he? (Credit: BBC) 4. Denise Fox Max has always had a flair for choosing women he shouldn’t, from his son’s wife to his daughter’s best friend. And who’s a more inappropriate choice of future wife than his own brother’s partner, Denise Fox? “Max gets it on with Denise,” predicted one fan, earlier this year. Would Denise really go ahead with marrying her own (former) brother-in-law on the anniversary of Jack’s own wedding to Ronnie Mitchell? Max reunited with Linda this week (Credit: BBC) Six predictions on Max Branning’s flashforward wife in EastEnders continued 5. Linda Carter Max came face-to-face with another old flame earlier this week, reuniting with Linda Carter after five years apart. After becoming Peacock Palace’s first guest, Max was blindsided by the news that little Annie is his daughter, born of their 2020 affair. “I think Max might marry Linda for the flashforward,” predicted one fan. With the news about Annie now out in the open, might Max make a legitimate go of starting a family with Linda? Is Max getting married? (Credit: BBC) 6. One of his (many) ex-wives or former lovers With a potential wedding, comes the change for EastEnders to reintroduce any number of Max’s former lovers. This includes Tanya Branning, who fans have long hoped might return to the soap – and racked up a few mentions this week. Or Vanessa Gold, she of ‘bubbly’s in the fridge’ fame. What about ex-wife Kirsty Branning? Fan favourites, every one, and all overdue some kind of return to EastEnders. Say what you will about Max Branning, but he knows how to pick ’em. 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 19 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 19 2025 Next Story
