EastEnders' Jake Wood breaks silence as he confirms return to iconic role

Actor Jake Wood will return to EastEnders to reprise his role as Max Branning, it has been announced. The character last appeared on screen in February 2021.

Wood said: “I’m over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy.

“I’m excited to see what he’s been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.”

Max will return briefly in autumn, before making a permanent return later in the year.

During his first stint on the soap Jake became a fan favourite of viewers with his character Max being at the heart of several huge storylines.

The Christmas Day episode where it was revealed that Max had an affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner has become known as one of the most chaotic festive specials ever.

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Max will return to Albert Square to find his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) expected to marry into the Beales, Stacey widowed, and a secret daughter with ex-lover Linda yet to be discovered.

Speaking on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Wood said his return to the show was “quite emotional” and added it felt “like a very warm hug”.

He said: “I just felt like it was the right time. I spoke to so many people there, they’re just loving being there at the moment, I had a meeting with the new executive, Ben Wadey, back in January, and we went for lunch, and he just sort of outlined all of his ideas.”

He continued: “There’s just so many characters that Max has got drama with, so it felt like the right time to go back and mix things up a bit.”

Wood went on to say his character’s return would be “high, high, high drama” and added that it would not be “friendly and warm”.

EastEnders executive producer Wadey said: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning.

“Whilst his character has only been away from Albert Square for four years, Walford, and the lives of those who live in it, have changed immensely.

“Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen.

“However, with a past as chequered as Max’s, it’s fair to say that many Walford residents will not be pleased to see him, putting the Brannings back at the heart of the square, and the drama, this year.”

Max previously left EastEnders on February 19, 2021 bringing to an end a 15 year run on the show.

.Max left Albert Square after burning bridges with many of his family and friends, and he joined his daughter Lauren and grandson Louie in New Zealand.

Since Jake's final EastEnders scenes aired in early 2021, the popular actor has certainly been keeping himself busy - launching a podcast and starring in West Endshow 2:22: A Ghost Story.