Max Branning looks set to have a new nemesis when he returns to EastEnders.
This autumn, it’s been announced that Jake Wood is set to step back into his character, Max, for a brief period. He’ll return permanently later in the year.
Absolutely, Max maintains several familial ties within Walford, including his brother Jack (Scott Branning), as well as his elder children Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Oscar (Pierre Moullier). Moreover, there’s a child he doesn’t yet realize is his own, Annie Carter.
In addition to everything else, he finds himself surrounded by past relationships in the square, specifically Stacey Slater (previously Lacey Turner) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
In the recently aired episode on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, it’s been revealed that Max has a new adversary, an individual he hasn’t previously come across.
After it was revealed that Oscar was the mystery intruder who had frightened Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker), manipulative Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) left no doubt about her dislike towards the Brannings.
In a casual conversation at The Albert, Cindy implied to both her son, Peter Beale (played by Thomas Law), and Lauren’s partner, that Lauren might have conspired with Oscar to steal from the Truemans.
“She is a Branning, I wouldn’t put anything past them,” argued Cindy about Lauren.
As a follower, I too believe that had it been alive, Peter’s sisters Lucy (Hetti Bywater) and Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell) would have immediately understood Lauren in the same straightforward manner that we did.
Afterward, at Kathy’s Cafe, I, being a movie buff, found myself walking up to where Patrick was sitting, joined by Cindy and Dr. Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey). In a heated moment, Cindy voiced her concerns about Oscar, suggesting that he displayed similar traits to his father, labeling him as having “a family mold” or “father and son alike”.
I accused Max of being responsible for my oldest son’s demise, Steven, and deemed the Branning family as ‘evil’. In my opinion, my son’s death serves as a stark reminder of their callousness.
After expressing her relief that Anthony’s brother didn’t get hurt more severely and criticizing Oscar’s behavior, Cindy decided to leave.
Absolutely, fans may remember that Steven met a tragic end in 2017 after a violent confrontation with Max, which took place amidst a fire that was set by Max as retribution for being falsely accused of killing Lucy.
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss when reflecting upon the heartbreaking turn of events that unfolded. In the tragic tale, I, along with countless others, found myself deeply invested in the lives of Steven and Abi Branning (portrayed by Lorna Fitzgerald). Alas, life imitated art as Steven’s journey came to an end in the hospital, following the revelation that Abi was carrying his child.
The sorrow did not cease there, for Abi herself met a tragic fate months later, falling fatally from the Vic. Yet, amidst this gloom, there was a glimmer of hope: Abi’s child, who would be named in her honor, was saved. The bittersweet irony remains that even in death, Abi’s legacy continues to live on through her offspring.
Max currently resides elsewhere, distanced from his own children, yet he maintains the role of guardian for his granddaughter Abi, who is also a grandchild to Cindy. Sharing this grandparental bond with Cindy, they are proud guardians of Abi Jr., Peter, and Lauren’s sons – Louie Beale (Jake McNally) and Jimmy Beale.
Max was involved romantically with Lucy before she met a tragic end at the hands of her younger half-brother Bobby Beale, adding yet another layer of complexity to history.
So, there’s now set to be huge tension when Max returns to Walford.
Undeniably, with Max and Cindy displaying identical underhanded tactics and infidelity, a significant number of fans, including ourselves, have pondered if this friction might stir up not only conflict but also intense romance.
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2025-08-26 21:34