BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Jul 11 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 11 2025 EastEnders fans rejoice as Max Branning return confirmed: 'The King has returned' 'We are SO back,' wrote one fan on social media Jake Wood Max Branning Share By Joel Harley Jul 11 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 11 2025 Fans of EastEnders have been celebrating the news that Max Branning will return to the soap later this year. Fans have been begging for the Walford lothario’s return ever since his 2021 exit, when he fled the soap after the collapse of his affair with Linda Carter. Since then, a lot has happened in Max’s absence. With Lauren engaged to Peter Beale (son of Max’s frequent nemesis, Ian), she also gave birth to his third grandchild, little Jimmy. And, as next week’s spoilers have revealed, son Oscar is also set to return to Albert Square. There’s also the matter of his daughter with Linda, who Max has never met – and presumably doesn’t even know exists. But we’ll get to all of that in due course – but first, there’s some celebrating to do. Max is on his way back to Walford (Credit: BBC) EastEnders fans full of cheer following news of Max Branning return As the news dropped this morning, fans headed to social media to share their reaction. And, to many, this was the day they’d long been waiting for. “Max Branning coming back to Eastenders. We are SO back!!” exclaimed one fan on X. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “I’ve been waiting for Jake Wood to come back for four long years, I’m so happy he’s back Max is one of the best characters on EastEnders,” said another. “Absolutely fantastic news! Jake Wood is one very fine actor and this is only going to bring more better times ahead for the show, bravo EastEnders,” a third cheered. “The King has returned,” said a fourth. “CHRISTMAS HAS COME EARLY,” another exclaimed. Max left the soap in 2021 (Credit: BBC) When will Max Branning return to EastEnders? The soap has revealed that Jake Wood‘s return as Max will begin this Autumn. He will then head off again, before returning permanently later this year. Sharing the news, Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: “Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen.” He teased: “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.” Max will reunite with children Oscar and Lauren, and brother Jack (Credit: BBC) Jacqueline Jossa welcomes back ‘dad’ Max as Jake Wood confirms return In the comments below EastEnders’ official announcement post, Jake wrote: “So happy to be coming home!” Meanwhile, screen daughter Jacqueline Jossa – who plays Lauren Branning on the soap – shared: “Dad!!!! I cannot wait!” In a statement released by the BBC, Jake 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.” What does the future hold for the mighty Max? Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Jul 11 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 11 2025
