EastEnders fans are convinced that Max Branning will be making a return to the Square, and they think they’ve worked out his huge comeback storyline

EastEnders fans are abuzz with speculation that Max Branning, portrayed by Jake Wood, might be making a comeback to the Square.

It comes after they picked up on what they believe is a ‘huge clue’ in recent episodes. It’s been a week of high emotions in the soap as the community gears up for Martin Fowler’s funeral.

The poignant scenes are scheduled to broadcast on the BBC next week, which comes over a month following Martin’s heartbreaking demise during the show’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Fans feel Max’s return could be linked to a storyline involving his daughter Lauren. She had a moment of reflection and regret after initially turning down Peter’s marriage proposal at Beale’s Eels, especially since he missed their baby scan.

However, upon discovering the ring with which Peter proposed, she realised her mistake and decided she should have accepted reports the Mirror.

After uncovering the truth about his grandmother Kathy’s assault on his mother Cindy, Peter confided in Lauren that his family history is behind him, and she is his future.

In a romantic twist, Lauren got down on one knee in the heart of the Square, and an elated Peter said yes. Since their engagement, the pair have received well-wishes from fellow residents, but fans are convinced that more congratulations should come from a certain character – Lauren’s father, Max.

On Twitter, the fanbase is alive with chatter as they forecast which major characters will return for the nuptials. A strong consensus suggests that Max Branning will make a much-anticipated reappearance in the Square.

One fan excitedly wrote: “so a max return for peter and lauren’s wedding? ?” while another eagerly replied: “Need that immediately”.

Another fan speculated: “Max, Tanya and Oscar’s return looms surely #eastenders,” while a fourth theorised: “I think Cindy will definitely come back for the wedding – either alone or with Max. Lauren will give birth on her wedding day and Cindy will reveal that she shot Ian in February. This will create further tensions between Peter Ian and Kathy later down the line.”

Back in September 2020, the news broke that Jake Wood would be departing from his role as Max Branning after a 15-year stint. His final scenes aired five months later.

Before his exit, Max had been entangled in an affair with Linda, whose marriage to Mick was on the rocks. The two had initially planned to leave for New Zealand, allowing Max to be closer to his daughter Lauren.

However, Linda had a change of heart, confessing to Max that she still had feelings for Mick. Realising there was nothing left for him in Walford, Max departed for Croatia, accompanied by his granddaughter Abi.