'There's a mountain of secrets waiting to be exposed'

Jake Wood teases a “whole lot of drama” as his character Max returns to Albert Square

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It's safe to say there's some unfinished business for Max Branning in Walford, with a number of secrets brewing. Actor Jake Wood, 53, warns that there's carnage on the way ahead of an explosive flash-forward episode centred around the Brannings on New Year's Day.

Max makes his permanent return to the BBC soap next week, months on from his cameo linking him to Zoe Slater in a twist no one saw coming. Jake, who left the role in 2021, reveals fans can expect plenty of action towards Christmas as secrets unravel and Max finally comes face to face with former flame Linda Carter, who's hiding a bombshell of her own.

"He's very busy," Jake teases. "He's got a lot of history with a lot of the residents, some of whom he's met before and others he's yet to meet. There's a mountain of secrets waiting to be exposed, and a lot of drama.

"Linda hasn't told him that Annie is his daughter, and neither has his family," adds Jake. "So I'm sure Max would be heartbroken to not only discover he's been kept in the dark, and away from the chance of being Annie's dad for the last four years, but that his family have played a part in it all."

The actor also reckons that a showdown is on the cards for his character and soap legend Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).