EastEnders' Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is finding it hard to move on from ex Max Branning (Jake Wood), despite her new romance with Clive Masters (Jason Durr). Next week's episodes will see another charged moment between Linda and Max, reigniting speculation about a New Year wedding.
Linda's complicated history with Max
Linda's world was rocked last year when Max, who she had an affair with six years earlier while married to Mick (Danny Dyer), returned to Walford. Initially reluctant to let Max meet Annie, the daughter he fathered before leaving in 2021, Linda eventually introduced them. Old feelings quickly resurfaced between the two parents.
However, Max's old tricks destroyed any hope of a future together. Linda realized they would never work as a couple and told him so in a dramatic showdown that left him devastated.
Linda's new romance with Clive
Linda tried to move on, and after a brief fling with Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), she met Clive. Their shared experience of losing a loved one created a deep connection. After several dates, they have another planned for next week.
But in Walford, happiness often comes with complications. Max steps in to look after Annie so Linda can go on her date, and it becomes clear there are still feelings between them. Will this unexpected moment sabotage Linda's date with Clive?
Could Linda be Max's New Year bride?
Speculation is mounting that Linda could be Max's New Year bride. A flashforward episode earlier this year teased a wedding on January 1, 2027, with Linda among the possible brides. Max is currently in a relationship with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), but he is cheating on her with Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy).
After his moment with Linda, Max arranges to meet Priya again. On the day of Cindy and Kim Fox's (Tameka Empson) hen dos, Max wakes up in Priya's bed. He lies to Cindy, who believes him and even ropes Priya into helping with the wedding planning.
Priya feels guilty and, when Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) proposes, she heads back to the flat to end the affair. The question remains: will Cindy discover the affair and call off the wedding? If so, could Linda become the bride instead?
It was recently confirmed that Kellie Bright will leave EastEnders after 13 years, so could Linda find happiness as the next Mrs. Max Branning?
