EastEnders has officially confirmed Max Branning’s return, with Jake Wood set to reprise his iconic role later in the year.

The character was last seen in the Square in 2021 when series star Jake quit to pursue other projects.

Max decided it was time to leave to join daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and grandson Louie in New Zealand.

At the time of his departure, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) – who he had an affair with the previous year – was pregnant with his daughter Annie.

But four years on Lauren is back in Walford – and expected to marry into the Beales – son Oscar is set to return to the Square, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) is widowed, and the secret daughter with Linda yet to be discovered, Max has more than enough unfinished business awaiting for him upon his return.

The character will stage a brief comeback this autumn, with a more permanent return planned for later in the year.

‘I’m over the moon to be coming home to Walford,’ said actor Jake on his long-awaited comeback. ‘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.’

EastEnders’ Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: ‘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 checkered 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.’