As Max shares plans for his future, early iPlayer release confirms Tanya and Abi Jr's whereabouts

Talk turns to Tanya in today's episode
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

WARNING: This article contains spoilers for today’s episode of EastEnders, which is streaming now on BBC iPlayer, but has not yet aired on BBC One – in which Max reveals the whereabouts of Tanya and Abi Jr. 

EastEnders viewers learned what’s become of Tanya and Abi Jr. today (Wednesday, December 16), as his return to Walford continues. Reconnecting with Linda and his family, absentee dad Max shared an update on his ex-wife and his granddaughter… as well as revealing his own future plans.

Where is little Abi? And what’s next for Max?

Max talks to Tanya in EastEnders
Max and Tanya’s marriage hit the rocks after his affair with Stacey Slater (Credit: BBC/YouTube)

Max shares Tanya and Abi Jr. update

With Max determined to be there for his children, he stands vigil over Oscar’s bedside at the hospital. He and the family are relieved to learn that Oscar will be fine. And, later that same day, they return to Albert Square.

This comes as a shock to his old flame, Linda, who quickly hustles secret love child Annie indoors. As they head to The Albert for a drink, Max shares plans for his future – revealing that he hopes to stick around and make a life for himself and the kids.

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Read all the latest spoilers

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He also shares what’s become of Abi Jr. She’s now living with Tanya – a decision which was apparently his granddaughter’s. Meanwhile, he continues to ignore phone calls from the woman herself (Tanya, not Abi).

But why is Tanya trying to reach her ex? And for what reason is he ignoring her calls?

Tanya looks upset on EastEnders

Tanya last appeared on the soap in 2018 (Credit: BBC/YouTube)

EastEnders sparks hopes for Tanya Branning return

We had an inkling that Abi Jr was with her grandmother. Upon his (first) return earlier this year, Max revealed that little Abi (daughter of Abi Sr. and Steven Beale) was with his ex-wife – meaning either Tanya or Rainie.

Mystery solved!

Earlier this year, Oscar also shared how he’d become estranged from mum Tanya. She’d kicked him out after Fat Mike and his gang targeted the family in an arson attack. This led to Oscar’s arrival in Walford. The rest, as they say, is history.

To many, today’s episode came as confirmation that Tanya is headed back to EastEnders. As one fan put it: “TANYA DEFFO RETURNING. I CAN FEEL IT!”

“So, they’re bringing Tanya back?” asked another.

Would you like to see Tanya return to EastEnders?

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