BBC Share By Joel Harley Jan 9 2026 By Joel Harley Jan 9 2026 Who's Max's flashforward gunman, pregnant lover and mystery bride? All the fan theories so far What do we know about Max's flashforward so far Features Max Branning Max Branning's New Year flashforward Share By Joel Harley Jan 9 2026 By Joel Harley Jan 9 2026 EastEnders aired a shocking flashforward last week, giving viewers a tantalising glimpse at what the future holds for Max Branning and his family in 2026 and 2027. This included the revelation that Max is getting married to an as-yet unseen bride. Max being Max, there’s more to that than meets the eye though, and as he woke up on New Year’s Day 2027, he’d also shared his bed with a mystery pregnant woman. Then there was the matter of the sinister gunman lurking in the shadows; taking Oscar and Lauren hostage as the episode ended, and demanding Max choose which child survives. Intriguing stuff! But who’s who in this game of Love, Marry, Kill? Here’s our run-down of the biggest fan theories thus far. Who’s threatening Oscar and Lauren? (Credit: BBC) Max’s flashforward gunman: all the EastEnders fan theories so far In the episode’s most dramatic twist, a mystery figure arrived on the Square and took both Lauren and Oscar hostage. As the episode ended, they sent Max a message informing him that they were holding his children hostage – and demanding he choose which one survive. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers But who’s the lone gunman? Some suspect that it could be none other than local drug dealer Ravi Gulati… “I am so confused. But I know I’m meant to be. Defo think Ravi is the gunman tho,” wrote one fan on X. “RAVI IS THE GUNMAN…” another claimed. “Ravi is the gunman and wants revenge on Max,” commented a third. But why would Ravi be targeting Max? Someone’s pregnant… but who? (Credit: BBC) Max’s pregnant lover Related to the above, some have wondered whether Max’s pregnant lover could be none other than Priya… which might explain why Ravi’s out for his blood. “I think Priya is the one in bed with Max who he’s got pregnant and Ravi is the gunman,” wrote one fan. “I’m guessing that Max sleeps with Priya or has an affair then Ravi goes after Lauren and Oscar with the gun!” said another. “What if Priya is the pregnant woman??” a third asked. The soap did tease a future connection between Max and Priya as they shared a brief exchange that same week… but would she really go there? Who’s Max marrying? (Credit: BBC) Who’s getting married in EastEnders flashforward? The mystery bride ‘revealed’ And then there’s the matter of the big wedding. As the episode began, it became clear that it was Max’s wedding day… and that he’s not marrying whoever he woke up in bed with. So who is the bride? With newcomer Bea Pollard making her EastEnders debut this week, some put two and two together to wonder if Bea might turn out to be Max’s mystery bride. “What if Bea is marrying Max ? Would explain why the wedding dress is at Linda’s,” wrote one fan. “Well that’s the MAX Conspiracy Sorted out He’s definitely going to marry Bea Pollard,” said another. She’s far from the only candidate though. Indeed, it would be quicker to list who isn’t a possible future bride of Max Branning. For now, fans have wondered whether he could be marrying Denise or Chelsea Fox (which would explain Libby’s return), old flame Linda Carter, Priya (presuming she’s not the pregnant lady)… or even Cindy Beale. Who do you think Max is marrying? And will the marriage go ahead? 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 Jan 9 2026 By Joel Harley Jan 9 2026 Next Story
