EastEnders icon sparks return rumours for 40th anniversary after posting telling snap
As EastEnders gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary, fans are hoping to see the return of some of the soap's most legendary characters, including Max Branning
EastEnders fans are on tenterhooks over whispers of Jake Wood’s return as Max Branning, the iconic figure from Walford.
As the BBC soap gears up for its 40th anniversary bash in February 2025, tongues are wagging about potential plots, with whispers swirling about Max’s possible return to Albert Square.
The landmark anniversary is set to be crammed with drama, confirming tales such as Grant Mitchell’s comeback, the unmasking of Cindy Beale’s attacker, and Denise Fox torn between Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati.
What’s more, the celebratory episode will go live, teasing the audience with unexpected turns and the chance of a flub or two from the cast.
Jake Wood who plays the iconic character sparked speculation (
BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
Teasing the fans, executive honcho Chris Clenshaw said: “Whilst we’re still keeping the finite details of the 40th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever,” reports the Manchester Evening News.
Wood recently caught up with his on-screen sibling Scott Maslen, who takes on the role of Jack Branning.
Beaming together, they took a snap on a night out, which Scott then splashed across Instagram with the words, “He ain’t heavy he’s my brother!”
Max Branning could be returning to EastEnders (
PA)
This cosy get-together has sparked chatter that Jake might pop back into EastEnders for the big 4-0, with buffs crossing their fingers for his grand return.
Soap enthusiasts flooded the comment section after catching a glimpse of the photo online. One fan couldn’t hide their excitement, expressing: “Lovely photo! Been saying Jake has to come back to Eastenders for the anniversary surely?!”
Max was a favourite amongst viewers (
BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
Another keen viewer inquired: “When is @mrjakewood coming back to the square?” A third, filled with hope, added: “Can’t wait to see you both on the 40th anniversary,” and yet another chimed in, speculating: “So @mrjakewood back for the 40th then.”
Jake, famed for his portrayal of Max Branning from 2006 to 2021, was at the heart of some of the soap’s most explosive plots, which notably included a scandalous affair with Stacey Slater.
After fifteen years of embodying the iconic character, Jake filmed his last scenes in December 2020, with Max’s storyline concluding as he moved to Croatia upon realising there was nothing left for him in Walford.
EastEnders airs Mondays-Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One
