Approximately twenty years have passed since Max Branning (played by Jake Wood) and Stacey Slater (portrayed by Lacey Turner) started their memorable relationship on EastEnders, and it seems they might rekindle it once more.
As a devoted cinema-goer, I must say, it felt like a pleasant surprise to see Max return to the BBC One soap this week! Intriguingly, it was unveiled that during his absence from Walford (since 2021), he had formed a romantic connection with Stacey’s cousin Zoe Slater, played by Michelle Ryan. The anticipation is building for what’s to come!
In the past, flashbacks depicted their romantic journey and his attempts to locate a secret child she’d given birth to, having abandoned him after delivering twins – it seemed their daughter had passed away.
Instead, Max and Zoe chose different paths after Max declined to aid in a situation that could have resulted in the death of a man who was supposed to guide Zoe to her son, but instead turned hostile towards her.
At a press gathering unveiling his comeback to the soap on September 3rd, 2025, actor Jake Wood addressed inquiries regarding potential unresolved matters between his characters Max and Stacey.
Wood answered: “Undoubtedly, yeah, I think so, yes.”
Reminded about Stacey’s loss of her husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) earlier this year, he acknowledged, “Indeed, she’s single now, while Max isn’t entirely alone. Yet, they’ve always shared a special bond and will continue to do so. No matter where they go or who they’re with, I believe there will remain an emotional connection between them. They understand each other deeply.
Scott Maslen, Wood’s co-star who portrays Jack Branning, Max’s brother, stated that the reveal of Max and Stacey’s affair on Christmas Day 2007 is one of EastEnders’ most memorable moments. Wood added: “They will always be linked, regardless of their actions in the future, if it’s ever appropriate for them to reconnect emotionally, and if they both desire it.
Lacey Turner is taking a long vacation. Could Max and Stacy meet up before she leaves? Only time will tell. I personally hope they do.
Indeed, there’s something significant Max isn’t aware of – Stacey’s relationship with his brother Jack, which unfortunately isn’t unusual for the Branning siblings when it comes to romantic entanglements.
According to Maslen, there are numerous subtle aspects within it that Max might be unaware of, and these have been put in place for the protection of its inhabitants.
When asked if Stacey could cause issues between the pair, Maslen answered: “Of course.”
As a fervent admirer, I’m eagerly anticipating the moment when Max and Stacey’s stories intertwine, allowing the exceptional actress Lacey Turner to embark on her well-deserved extended hiatus from the screen.
During this past week, it seemed that Soap character Stacey was hinting at her departure from Walford, as she confided in her mother Jean Slater (played by Gillian Wright) that she had come back due to the turmoil with Zoe but yearned to leave behind the distressing memories of Albert Square.
Perhaps Max will be just one bad reminder too many…
Don’t forget to include EastEnders in your list of shows to watch! Download TopMob: Recommended Shows app for daily suggestions, exclusive features, and more.
Read More
- FLR PREDICTION. FLR cryptocurrency
- Gold Rate Forecast
- USD AUD PREDICTION
- NEXO PREDICTION. NEXO cryptocurrency
- EUR CHF PREDICTION
- Marvel’s AI Character Raises Alarming Questions
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- EUR PLN PREDICTION
- ONDO PREDICTION. ONDO cryptocurrency
- EUR THB PREDICTION
2025-09-05 09:04