EastEnders star Jake Wood’s explosive exit ‘explained’
EASTENDERS bosses have announced that Jake Wood will be bowing out from his role as Max Branning in a huge new storyline.
But what will the mystery exit plot be? Here’s the lowdown…
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What will Max Branning’s exit storyline be?
Prison
EastEnders fans know that trouble is brewing after Ian Beale sneakily used the money from Max’s half of the restaurant to buy the pub for Sharon.
It’s only a matter of time before Max realises how sly Ian has spent his money.
Might a furious Max lash out and land himself in prison?
One convinced fan tweeted: “Max in jail from bashing Ian round the head? #EastEnders”
Another replied: “3 years in prison and come back 2023.”
Another tweeted: “Ian’s totally screwed once Max finally realises he’s already spent all the money on buying The Vic for Sharon #Eastenders.”
After pocketing Ruby’s money
Viewers know that a mystery person has been pocketing Ruby’s millions by taking huge sums from her bank account recently.
Fans will remember that Max proposed to Ruby last year but was humiliated when she publicly turned him down.
Ruby slept with Martin while still dating Max, and has since moved on and struck up a full-on romance with the fruit and veg flogger.
With Ruby’s new romance being rubbed right under Max’s nose, might he be exacting revenge by stealing her millions?
Will he eventually flee Walford with her money?
One viewer tweeted: “@bbceastenders #EastEnders It would be predictable if it was a returning Stacey Slater, who was somehow pocketing Ruby’s money. I think it’s Ian or Max though!”
After discovering Ian’s killer secret
With Max growing increasingly suspicious of Ian’s dodgy antics, might he do some digging and discover he’s behind Dennis Mitchell’s death?
This could definitely lead to things turning nasty between the pair, and facilitating Max’s exit.
One fan said: “I would not be surprised frankly if Max puts 2 and 2 together to work out that he killed Denny #EastEnders.”
Whodunnit
EastEnders have confirmed that Ian will also be taking a break from the soap as part of a planned storyline later this year.
Once Ian’s killer secret is exposed, might he get left in a coma for a few months after being attacked by a mystery assailant?
And might Max be framed for the attack?
One excited fan tweeted: “They are so setting up a whodunnit with Ian. (Sadly only an attack.) Just watch Max is get framed AGAIN. #EastEnders.”
Why is Jake Wood leaving EastEnders?
Jake will be leaving EastEnders after 15 years playing his character Max.
Show bosses made the decision after coming up with a huge new storyline which will see Max bid farewell to Walford.
Speaking about Max’s exit, an insider said: “Sometimes in soapland big characters have to leave.
“Bosses are staying tight lipped about what they have planned for Max but considering he has played a major part in the show for over fifteen years they are clearly planning something big and he will not be departing Walford quietly.
Executive producer Jon Sen added in a statement: “Jake is a truly wonderful actor and EastEnders have been extremely lucky to have him for so long.
“We have a big storyline for Max that starts in the coming weeks and we are all very excited to see that play out.”
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Will Jake Wood be returning to EastEnders?
Fans will be relieved to hear that Max will not be killed off when he exits the soap, with the door open for his return one day in the future.
Talking about his departure from the show Jake said: ‘I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends.
“I’ll of course miss everyone there but I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds.”