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Jake Wood is reportedly set to reprise his role as legendary love rat Max Branning in EastEnders, four years after leaving Albert Square.

The

soap star

, 52, is making his shock comeback as former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner,

is about to depart from Walford.

Jake said goodbye to his role when he wrapped up filming in December 2020, having portrayed the character for 15 years.

Bosses are reportedly looking forward to Jake to spice up the plots in his shock return.

A source told

The Sun

: ‘Jake’s return is huge news for

EastEnders

fans as his character made a massive mark on the show.

‘It’ll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character’s reappearance means for spicing up the plots.


‘There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.’

MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Jake’s representatives for comment.

Last year, Jake gave a cryptic three-word response when quizzed about his potential return to Albert Square as Max.

Jake was asked by

Kate Garraway

and Ed Ball to pick the most likely option between him reprising his iconic soap role or Arsenal FC winning the

Premier League

.

He replied: ‘Well, if you ask me which one I’d prefer, I’d prefer Arsenal to win the League… Most likely? I hope Arsenal.’

However, Jake also made it clear that, despite currently having ‘no plans’ to make an EastEnders comeback, the possibility for him to return is always there.

He said: ‘I’ve got no plans to go back. They’ve kept the door open. It’s been three and a half years since I’ve not been there. It’s been a while… ‘Never say never.’

Upon leaving EastEnders, Jake posted a farewell video of himself walking around the renowned BBC set. As he bid adieu, he remarked, “That’s a wrap,” expressing gratitude to his supporters as his portrayal of the notorious character from Albert Square concluded.



It was quite a peculiar day for me today, as this marked my final day of shooting at the EastEnders set after being with them for 15 years, portraying Max Branning. The location itself holds many memories, but what stands out most are the friendships I’ve formed; these relationships have truly enriched my life and provided unforgettable experiences.

‘Thank you everyone for your loving messages and support; they’ve meant so much to me. Who can predict what the future holds? I simply wanted to bid farewell to Max Branning and share this moment with all of you.’

In 2006, Jake initially became part of the EastEnders ensemble, encountering considerable turmoil such as engaging in philandering, entering into a clandestine marriage, and even being wrongfully accused of murder.

In September 2020, Jake announced: “I’ve enjoyed 15 fantastic years at EastEnders and have formed some really amazing friendships.”

I will surely miss everybody there, but I appreciate them leaving the door open for Max and me. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the upcoming chapter brings.


In his last moments on EastEnders, Max chose to leave behind Albert Square.

after realising there was nothing left for him there.

In a heartbreaking moment, he left behind his granddaughter Abi after realising she’d be better off being raised by Rainie and Stuart.

The notorious troublemaker from Walford opted to leave after his former flame Linda Carter spurned him yet again and proclaimed that she didn’t have feelings for him, even though he had recovered the Queen Vic for her.

And in another blow, his brother Jack gave him some harsh home truths, with Max then deciding to disappear with beloved granddaughter Abi.

But after his car failed to start, he then made to walk to the Tube station with the little one in tow, where the duo bumped into his former love Stacy Slater, with Max saying a cryptic goodbye.

However, he then noticed little Abi looking up at her great-aunt Rainie’s window and in that moment he chose to leave the tot on her doorstep, deciding that Abi would have a better life with Rainie and husband Stuart.

After leaving Abi on Rainie’s doorstep, a tearful Max then grabbed his bags and made his way to the tube station as EastEnders’ heart wrenching Julia’s theme played in the background.


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