EastEnders Max Branning’s next lover ‘revealed’ and it’s not who you’d expect
EastEnders fans are convinced they've worked out who Max Branning's next love interest will be ahead of his dramatic return to Walford later this year
EastEnders viewers are speculating about who Max Branning will romantically entangle with upon his much-anticipated return to Albert Square.
It is being reported that Jake Wood is set to reprise his notorious role as Walford’s infamous womaniser Max Branning four years since we saw him depart the BBC drama.
Max waved goodbye to EastEnders in 2021 after an explosive 15-year stint to explore new ventures, but now he’s tipped by The Sun to be coming back, ready to “raise some eyebrows” with his tail of love scandals once more.
His comeback coincides with Lacey Turner stepping away from her iconic portrayal of Stacey Slater, which certainly presents an intriguing timing.
Max has a history of bewitching numerous ladies of Walford, including seducing Stacey, then the girlfriend of his son Bradley Branning (played by Charlie Clements), and viewers are placing their bets on Cindy Beale (portrayed by Michelle Collins) becoming his next conquest, reports Belfast Live.
Yet, there’s a dramatic twist fans can’t ignore – Max’s grim past involving Cindy’s beloved son Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell).
Recalling the dark past, Steven was coerced by Max into torching Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) eatery with the intention to eliminate Jane Beale (Laurie Brent).
After trying to save both his sweetheart Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald), who is Max’s daughter, and Jane from the inferno, Steven succumbed to a fatal injury inflicted by Max in haste, resulting in a heart-stopping casualty at the hospital.
Max’s vendetta against the Beales stemmed from his unjust incarceration for the murder of Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater), which eventually revealed Bobby Beale (Eliot Carrington), Lucy’s half-brother, being protected by Jane as the actual perpetrator.
Fans have been buzzing on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, sharing their predictions and hopes for EastEnders plot twists.
One eager viewer posted: “Before Max and Cindy predictably get together. Some things need to be re-addressed. He was sleeping with Lucy and ultimately was the reason Steven d.i.e.d #EastEnders.”
Chiming in, another fan speculated: “Max Branning coming back to #EastEnders 50 quid bet that he ends up in Cindy’s bed before the end of the year!”.
A third enthusiast anticipated romance, proclaiming: “Max Branning finally on his way back to Albert Square is the news I needed. I need the Max and Cindy partnership ASAP #EastEnders”.
Another tweet from a curious soap watcher questioned: “Max is back. How long before he and Cindy get together? #EastEnders.” EastEnders representatives have been contacted for a comment.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am
