As EastEnders approaches its highly anticipated 40th anniversary, the show is pulling out all the stops to celebrate this milestone. With a fully live episode set to air on February 20th and an interactive storyline that allows fans to influence Denise Fox’s romantic future, the excitement is building. But amidst all the buzz, longtime cast member Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) has taken a moment to reflect on two beloved former characters who played a major role in his time on the soap.

Maslen, who has portrayed Jack since 2007, spoke fondly about his on-screen history, particularly his dynamic relationship with Ronnie Mitchell, played by Samantha Womack. Ronnie was a fan-favorite for over a decade until her dramatic exit in 2017, and her connection with Jack was one of the most gripping romances in EastEnders history.

“I really loved Jack and Ronnie’s relationship,” Maslen admitted. “It was such an intense, passionate dynamic. Sam and I have always been close—like brother and sister in real life—so we weren’t sure how that would translate on screen. But the chemistry just worked. Jack and Ronnie were always trying to outmaneuver each other, which kept things unpredictable. Some days Jack would have the upper hand, other times Ronnie would, but that balance made their story so compelling.”

Beyond his bond with Ronnie, Maslen also reminisced about his time working with Jake Wood, who played his on-screen brother Max Branning for 15 years before his departure in 2021. Their sibling rivalry, marked by moments of betrayal, loyalty, and emotional turmoil, was a cornerstone of EastEnders drama.

“Jake is something else,” Maslen said. “From the moment we met, we had this unspoken understanding—we were brothers. Even though Jack and Max don’t really look alike, people always believed in their connection. That classic contrast between Max, who was Jim Branning’s golden boy, and Jack, who took the blame for everything, created such a powerful dynamic. Jake has a way of pulling the deepest emotions out of you in those big, pivotal scenes. He always delivers something that hits you in the gut, and that’s what makes him such a vital part of EastEnders history.”

As the show gears up for its 40th-anniversary festivities, Maslen’s reflections remind fans just how impactful these relationships have been. Whether it’s the fiery romance between Jack and Ronnie or the complicated brotherhood between Jack and Max, these stories have left a lasting mark on EastEnders. While both Ronnie and Max may no longer be part of the show, their legacies continue to shape the Branning family’s ongoing drama.

With a major celebration on the horizon, will EastEnders bring back any familiar faces to mark the occasion? As speculation grows, one thing is certain—fans won’t want to miss what’s coming next!