Jake Wood announces he's taking extended break from EastEnders

Time for something different
By Entertainment Daily

EastEnders favourite Jake Wood has announced that he is taking a “short break” from the soap.

The actor, who plays Max Branning, will be touring his popular boxing podcast around the country during his time out from Walford.

Jake Wood
Jake’s taking time out for his other passion (Credit: Splash)

He wrote on Twitter: “Buzzing for this, gonna be so much fun. Can’t wait to get out on the road with @PoundPodcast @SpencerOliver!”

“Jake will take some time off early next year, but he will return to filming after a short time away,” an EastEnders spokesperson confirmed.

The tour will run for just over a month and ends at London’s York Hall on 22 February.

Max Branning EastEnders
Jake will take a month off from filming (Credit: BBC)

Jake has previously spoken about quitting the show that made him famous if he didn’t feel he could give 100 per cent to the show.

The actor, who also wowed fans with a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, last took a break from the drama of Albert Square in 2015, that time for four months.

Jake Woos Strictly
Jake dazzled on SCD in 2014 (Credit: BBC)

Max was wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of Lucy Beale. He returned an angry man, hellbent of ruining everyone he felt had abandoned him.

He said: “That’s why I’ve been there 12 years – they always give me great stuff to do.

“No [I don’t get bored]. I never know what he’s going to do next. I’m just as interested and intrigued – he is a great character isn’t he?

“It’s easy to get complacent – not just there but in any area.

“Unless I know that I can give it 100 per cent and I’m full in then I’d rather not be there.”

“My approach is you just have to keep the intensity of the work going. You can’t take your foot off the pedal.”

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