New spoiler pictures reveal Max Branning returns at Christmas in bloody family reunion

The Branning's back... again
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

New spoiler pictures for EastEnders have revealed that Max Branning is set to return this Christmas… as a bloody confrontation takes place with brother Jack. Max briefly returned twice this year, causing complete carnage on both occasions.

In the first instance, it was the reveal that Max had become romantically involved with Zoe Slater, and had given her cash to help find her missing son. He briefly returned a few weeks later, gatecrashing Lauren and Peter’s wedding party.

Max wasn’t particularly bothered about the happy couple though, and quickly resumed sniffing around old flame Stacey. Learning that Max had gotten involved with her cousin was all it took for Stacey to pack her bags, and she left for a new life in Brazil that very episode.

With Max skulking off after this latest return, fans have eagerly awaited news of his full-time comeback. And it seems as though that time is finally upon us!

But what can we expect when Max returns for Christmas?

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Max briefly returned twice in September (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders spoiler pictures reveal Max Branning Christmas return

Images obtained by The Sun show Jake Wood, as Max, on set with screen brother Jack. These images were taken at a church in Hertford, the tabloid reports, where the Brannings are gathered for Jimmy Beale’s Christening.

Cindy Beale is also at the event, along with Jack’s daughter (and Max’s niece) Amy, The Sun reports.

In these pictures, Max sports a burst lip, indicating a fight with Jack. What’s got the brothers at each other’s throats this time?

Max and Zoe meet in a bar
Will Max and Zoe rekindle their romance? (Credit: BBC)

What to expect from Max’s return

Max still has plenty of business in Albert Square – not least the continued presence of Zoe. With Stacey out of the picture, will Max go all in on a relationship with Zoe?

Then there’s the matter of Linda; the mother of the daughter he doesn’t even know exists. How will Max react when he learns that she’s been hiding his daughter all this time?

And let’s not forget about Cindy. With Cindy still holding a grudge against Max for her son’s death, fireworks will fly upon his return to Albert Square.

Are you looking forward to Max’s return to EastEnders?

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.