EastEnders’ Jake Wood fuels return rumours as he reunites with onscreen brother Scott Maslen on night out

FANS of EastEnders are freaking out over the possible return of Max Branning to the hit soap opera.

Viewers of the iconic BBC soap are speculating whether or not Jake Wood’s character of Max Branning will make a comeback for the 40th anniversary of EastEnders.

EastEnders will celebrate its 40th anniversary in February 2025, with the soap currently gearing up to celebrate in style – as speculation is rife regarding what the storylines might be.

So far, we know that Grant Mitchell will return to Albert Square, Cindy Beale’s attacker will be revealed, and fans will have decided whether Denise Fox chooses Jack Branning or Ravi Gulati.

Not only this, but the episode will be completely live, with twists and turns promised.

“Whilst we’re still keeping the finite details of the 40th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever,” executive producer Chris Clenshaw has said.

And now Jake Wood, who played Max Branning on the soap until four years ago, has reunited with his on-screen brother, sparking rumours that he might return to the square.

Posing with Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning, on a night out, Jake looked overjoyed to be back in his brother’s company.

The on-screen brothers were beaming as they posed for the snap, with Scott’s wife Estelle also smiling in the photo.

Scott shared the snap on his Instagram page, writing: “He ain’t heavy he’s my brother!”

This then fuelled rumours that Jake could be making a comeback for the 40th anniversary of the soap, with many fans begging for his return.

One person commented: “Lovely photo! Been saying Jake has to come back to Eastenders for the anniversary surely?!”

FANS BEG FOR HIS RETURN

Another asked: “When is @mrjakewood coming back to the square?”

“Can’t wait to see you both on the 40th anniversary,” said a third, who was feeling hopeful.

“Max return when?” asked a fourth.

While a fifth asked: “40th Anniversary return for Max Branning?”

And a sixth said: “So @mrjakewood back for the 40th then.”

Jake joined the BBC soap opera in 2006, and played the character Max Branning until four years ago. 

Max first appeared on the show on June 27, 2006, and was apart of some huge storylines such as an affair with Stacey Slater.

15 YEARS OF MAX BRANNING

Jake played the role for 15 years before filming his final scenes in December 2020.

He didn’t play the role of Max continuously though, because he did take a break between 2018 and 2019.

It was announced in 2018 that Jake’s character would be taking a break from the soap in early 2019.

He then left on Valentine’s Day in 2019 and returned that May.

Filming his final ever scenes in 2020, these then aired on February 19, 2021. 

He left Walford after realising there was nothing left for him and relocated to Croatia, leaving the door open for a return in the future.

So, could the 40th reunion be the perfect opportunity for Max to make a comeback?