SOAP SHOCK EastEnders drops secret clue about the identity of Max Branning’s pregnant lover
EASTENDERS has dropped a secret clue about the identity of Max Branning’s pregnant lover.
The BBC soap’s New Year’s Day flash forward episode revealed that Max would be sleeping with a heavily pregnant woman by January 1.
That means that the mystery woman – whose identity wasn’t revealed in the episode – would be falling pregnant around now.
And this week one character has had a shock romp in the Square.
As such fans are convinced that it will be she who ends up in bed with Max on his wedding day to another mystery woman.
Viewers watching this week saw Sam Mitchell bed ex-one night stand Zack Hudson.
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And as the timing fits perfectly, they are convinced that Sam will be the one who gets pregnant.
One wrote: “Sam is ‘only’ 50, after her shag with Zack today I’m hoping it’s her!”
A second said: “I could certainly believe a surprise Sam pregnancy but I wouldn’t want her to abandon a second child after all the fabulous progress she’s made as a character this stint.”
Another added: “I am holding onto hope that Sam might have a late in life pregnancy though after her fling with Zack today.
“Another surprise return before Christmas perhaps?”
The identity of the mystery woman will be revealed by January 1, 2027, when the flash forward’s secrets are fully exposed.
The soap has already been forced to change some things after Radio host Scott Mills was sacked by the BBC – despite featuring in a cameo role.
EastEnders actor Jake Wood, 48, has confirmed he has stepped down from the BBC soap after “15 wonderful years” after being introduced to viewers as Max Branning back in 2006. News of his departure from the show was announced today.
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I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max
Jake wood
Speaking out about his departure for the first time, he said in a statement: “I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends.”
Teasing what the future holds for him, the actor added: “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.”
The Max Branning star is yet to address the news on social media, but was active on his Instagram and Twitter pages today to wish his wife Alison a Happy Birthday.
Alongside a picture of the pair beaming for the camera, he wrote: “Happy birthday beautiful @alisonrwood46 I couldn’t imagine a life without you.”
Jake Wood: EastEnders’ Max Branning has left EastEnders after 15 years (Image: GETTY•BBC)
Jake Wood: EastEnders’ Max Branning said the door is being kept open for a return (Image: BBC)
The soap’s executive producer Jon Sen said of the star’s exit 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.”
Fans of the soap have flocked to social media to share their thoughts about the news.
One user wrote: “Sad to see Jake Wood leaving #EastEnders A great actor and glad to see that they will leave the door open for him.
Jake Wood: EastEnders’ Max Branning will has confirmed his exit from the soap (Image: BBC)
Jake Wood: EastEnders’ Max Branning is well remembered for his steamy affair with Stacey Slater (Image: BBC)
“The beginning of the end of the Branning family now with only Jack [Branning] on the square?”
“NOT JAKE WOOD WHAT THE HELL,” a second disappointed fan wrote.
A third penned: “Oh man I have loved Max Branning and Jake Wood since the very first time I saw him in #EastEnders!”
Max first arrived in Walford in June 2006 to confront his father, Jim Branning (played by John Bardon) after being estranged for 17 years.
After an unsuccessful reunion with his dad, he went on rebuild his relationship with son Bradley (Charlie Clements).
Much of Jake’s time on the show has been centered around his character’s family life and love affairs.
One of his most memorable storylines is when his affair with his son’s girlfriend Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was exposed on Christmas Day in 2007.
The classic episode was shown again as part of EastEnders’ iconic episodes run last month.
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Reflecting on the moment, Jake said: “It was a perfect storm.
“The Max and Stacey affair was played out all during that year.
“People took to those characters and that situation and the way it was revealed with a DVD and all the family watching – even watching it now it was very uncomfortable.
“It was an amazing experience. EastEnders Christmas episodes are part of British life, and to be a part of those is a great privilege and I look back on those episodes with great fondness.”
His most current storyline recently saw him divorce wife Rainie Branning (Tanya Franks).