EastEnders icon Jake Wood breaks silence on Max and Zoe affair and reveals “chaos” for Walford return

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Actor Jake Wood has spoken out about the surprising return of Max Branning to EastEnders.

On Wednesday evening, BBC One unexpectedly showed scenes featuring the comeback of Max, which later unfolded in flashbacks on Thursday, revealing that he had been involved romantically with Zoe Slater (played by Michelle Ryan) earlier this year.

Beyond the past connections Max shares with the Slater family, he additionally learns about confidential matters concerning Zoe’s twins, who were born in 2006, as well as a potential incident where she might have taken a life while searching for her living son.

Currently, Zoe had just phoned Max, urging him to stay away from Walford. However, his tone suggested that he wasn’t overly eager about the advice.

On the Walford filming location, actor Jake Wood recently shared his feelings about returning as Max Branning, a character he last portrayed in 2021 on the soap opera.

As a movie aficionado, I must say I was thrilled when I learned that Michelle, the iconic character, would be reprising her role in the story. And just as I anticipated, she didn’t disappoint! The connection between Max and Zoe is intriguing, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. In fact, my character, Max, finds himself right in the middle of it all.

I might not be on screen for long, but fear not, I will make a return soon enough, and when I do, it won’t just be a casual appearance. The drama and chaos that ensue are something to behold! It’s going to be an exciting ride, so buckle up and get ready to witness the unfolding story.

He commented: The flashback storyline is exceptionally effective. It provides ample background information and clarification about their connection, ensuring that by the time Max appears fully, there’s already a well-established bond between them. Throughout this process, it has been nothing but delightful.

In light of the fact that both Max and Zoe have experienced bumpy love journeys, one might question if this relationship is a genuine romance. However, Wood firmly believes that their bond is authentic and that there are indeed deep-seated emotions present between them.

According to Wood’s affirmation, he believes that their connection appears to be sincere.

Wood confirmed that in his opinion, there seems to be a genuine bond between them. He also thinks that they harbor true emotions for each other.

However, when Max eventually returns to the Square, it seems quite complex regarding his current state and intentions at the time, making a commitment to her challenging. Yet, I believe there’s a connection between them, largely influenced by Zoe’s search for the son she gave up for adoption, which Max assists financially in their quest to find him through a private investigator.

It’s clear that the lack of a relationship with his children holds significant weight for Max. I believe we share a great deal in common on this topic.

As a cinephile eager to share my thoughts, I must confess that the latest installments left me yearning for more of everyone’s favorite character, Max. And in an exclusive scoop, I can reveal that the return is indeed imminent, thanks to the masterful addition of new executive producer Ben Wadey – a development that has me absolutely thrilled!

Wood mentioned that Ben’s vision played a significant role, stating, “Ben’s passion truly sealed the deal for me.” After having lunch with Ben in January, Wood became convinced. Ben is deeply invested in the show and grasps the captivating narratives of all the characters yet to be unfolded. Following this meeting, the decision for Wood to return after a five-year hiatus seemed like an obvious choice.

The ambiance among the entire cast is fantastic, possibly the best I’ve experienced during my 15-year tenure here. Everyone is in high spirits, and the show continues to thrive. It feels wonderful returning at this moment.

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2025-09-04 22:36