Executive producer Ben Wadey has discussed the future of the Brannings on EastEnders.
In the 1990s, BBC One debuted the influential dynasty through Carol Jackson and her relatives, and the family’s power in soap operas peaked from 2007 onwards with the appearances of the charming playboys Max (Jake Wood) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).
Currently, it’s been disclosed that Max has made a comeback to the soap following his departure in 2021. Intriguingly, a plot twist unveiled an unexpected romantic bond between him and fellow cast member Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). As Max prepares to re-enter Walford, several secrets lurk beneath the surface, posing a potential danger of being exposed.
As I eagerly anticipate the upcoming movie, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The story revolves around my family as we prepare for a significant reunion with my younger brother Jack, who’s always held a special place in our father’s heart and has had a complex relationship with me throughout our lives. To make matters more intriguing, I find myself estranged from my children Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier). The movie promises to delve deep into our familial bonds and the challenges we face in reuniting.
In addition, it’s worth mentioning that Max is bound to uncover a surprising truth: he fathered Annie Carter, who is his child with an ex-girlfriend named Linda Carter (played by Kellie Bright). His existing children and Jack are already in the know about this fact.
At a media gathering celebrating Max’s comeback, executive producer Ben Wadey disclosed that he had long yearned to bring Jake Wood back as Max, not only for Max personally but equally for the Branning clan as a family unit.

Regarding if Max’s comeback was constantly in thought, Wadey replied: “Indeed, Max is a captivating character and Jake delivers his performance remarkably well. Given that the Brannings are a renowned family dynasty on our show, I aimed to make them its central focus. I wanted to craft substantial storylines for them.
I’m thrilled about the fact that we’re bringing back classic characters from the Brannings, which provide endless story potential and are incredibly rich in depth. Yet, it’s not just them; a fresh wave of new characters like Penny, Amy, and Ricky is emerging, adding to the narrative. Beyond Oscar and Lauren, these newcomers also have their own captivating stories to tell.
As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the offspring of our favorite character Jack could also shine brightly. Specifically, we have Penny Branning, portrayed by Kitty Castledine, Amy Mitchell played by Ellie Dadd, and Ricky Branning brought to life by Frankie Day. These talented individuals might just steal the show!

When prompted for more hints about the upcoming tales, Wadey remarked: “I can’t reveal too much, but there will be plenty of suspense and I believe the involvement of the Brannings with numerous other extraordinary families will introduce many additional characters.
Max has a substantial past on the show, yet he remains unaware of many secrets held by other characters, including his own family. These secrets often surface at inconvenient moments in Walford, so it’s likely that more secrets will be revealed, causing tension and stirring up drama within this family.
That might be where Linda’s daughter Annie fits in…
Wadey pointed out: “Upon his return, there’s much for him to discover. Max, known for his larger-than-life presence within the square, has friends and foes alike. His comeback is exciting because people respond differently to him, not always favorably.
It’s possible that a conflict with Cindy Beale, portrayed by Michelle Collins, could be brewing based on what’s been hinted at so far on the screen!
Furthermore, discussing the renewed emphasis on the Branning family, actor Scott Maslen commented at the event: “I believe Ben has strategically brought Jake back, as he is an essential character.

He noted: “To be clear, I don’t wish to imply that we are at the heart of things, as such phrasing can be contentious. The term feels a bit contentious to me. Our series portrays numerous families and individuals, all of whom possess remarkable strength. Consequently, Jake’s return occurs during a time when our show is thriving exceptionally well.
Absolutely, he’s an exceptional individual, and it seems groundbreaking. Originally, EastEnders was known for particular families that you’d tune in to watch over a cup of tea, while other shows played. Now, it feels more like following various characters, becoming engrossed in their stories. The cast is working cohesively well. It’s not just about favoring the Brannings or Slaters anymore; everyone is delivering compelling performances.
Later on, Maslen playfully commented on Max saying, “Alright, here’s a scruffy fellow. Got any questions? We share quite a past, and I can hardly wait to bring that on the silver screen!
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2025-09-04 22:49