Max Branning (Jake Wood) causes chaos for his family and the Beales this Christmas period in EastEnders.
And he’s genuinely returned to show everyone that he’s a changed man.
Max briefly returned to Walford earlier this year, but departed again shortly after Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) saw him kissing Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).
The troublesome face has been responsible for a variety of dramatic and game-changing events over the years. It seems wherever Max goes, he always brings some sort of drama with him.
In the lead up to Christmas, Max’s latest actions make him an enemy in the Square. He decides to try and put things right with his son, but he ends up getting waylaid by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
Stood up by his dad, Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) heads to drown his sorrows, and then joins his family at the carol concert. Feeling let down by his dad, Oscar makes a revelation to Max that threatens to derails Christmas festivities for the Brannings.
On Christmas Day, the Brannings and the Beales prepare to eat Christmas dinner together as a family. Things get off to a tricky start though, as Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and Peter Beale (Thomas Law) discover Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) is back.
Given the fact Cindy knows Max was responsible for the death of her son, Ian and Peter are keen to keep the two away from each other, and decide to tell Cindy that she isn’t welcome at the dinner.
The residents sit down to eat, but Max is still brewing over the news from Oscar, and it isn’t long until chaos ensues.
Desperate to put the events of Christmas behind them, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and Peter decide to focus on Jimmy’s christening. As much as they try and turn their attention to a happy event, they cannot help but worry over Cindy and Max meeting for the first time.
Because of Max’s behaviour at Christmas, Lauren and Peter decide to tell him that he isn’t invited. However, when Lauren sees Max upset over not be able to attend, she changes her mind.
Cindy then puts her foot down and says she isn’t going to the church if Max is, but there’s no need for her to worry, as classic Max Branning clashes with his brother and get uninvited again anyway.
Ignoring his family’s wishes, Max takes a risk and rocks up to the christening, leading to him causing a complete commotion with Cindy.
Back in the Square, Oscar attempts to give Max a pep talk to right his wrongs, but Max isn’t in the mood and heads to Harry’s Barn to drown his sorrows.
Can’t wait for the next twist?
Hi, I’m Calli Kitson, Soaps reporter at Metro. I cover Emmerdale, EastEnders, Corrie and more.
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However, not long after he arrives, Max snaps at another resident who attempts to give him some advice.
Having watched the entire affair, Nicola (Laura Doddington) delivers some home truths to Max about his behaviour. He then heads out into the night, leading to a flashforward episode that will provide clues about what the future holds for him.
We will find him and his family embroiled in drama on New Year’s Day in 2027, but just what has happened, and why, remains to be revealed over the next 12 months.
