The famous faces of Walford's most turbulent clan stepped away from the drama for a night of festive fun this weekend. The actors who play the iconic Branning family on EastEnders enjoyed a cheerful group meal at a swanky London venue, sharing a series of lighthearted photos with their followers.
A Family Reunion Off-Screen
On Sunday, Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lauren Branning, posted a collection of playful images to Instagram from the cast's get-together. The group dined at the upmarket The Ivy Asia in the capital, appearing in high spirits. Alongside Jossa, 33, the party included Jake Wood, 53 (Max), Scott Maslen, 54 (Jack), Ellie Dadd, 20 (Amy), Kitty Castledine, 23 (Penny), and Pierre Moullier, 25 (Oscar).
The photos captured the cast joking around, singing along to social media reels, and posing for multiple group snaps. On the soap, the complex family tree sees Max as father to Lauren and Oscar, while his brother Jack is father to Amy and Penny, making the younger cast members cousins on screen.
Back to the Square: Max Branning's Shocking Return
The festive outing comes hot on the heels of a major comeback to Albert Square. Jake Wood made his return as Max Branning in a September episode of the BBC One soap, after being absent for over four years. His character was last seen in February 2021, leaving Walford for New Zealand after his affair with Linda Carter was exposed and his brother Jack advised him to move on.
His reappearance was teased back in July, with a source describing it as "huge news for EastEnders fans" that would "spice up the plots." The return was executed with a twist, as Max was revealed to be the mysterious caller to Zoe Slater's phone while she was in hospital, after the recent shock return of actress Michelle Ryan to the role. Max stayed silent so that Kat Slater, who answered the phone, would not recognise his voice.
What's Next for the Brannings?
With Max back on the scene and the family's younger generation firmly established, the stage is set for more high-stakes drama in Walford. The actors' off-screen camaraderie highlights the close bonds formed on set, even as their characters navigate betrayal, secrets, and intense family conflicts. Fans are now eagerly anticipating how Max's secretive return will unravel and what impact it will have on the wider Branning clan and his past connections in the Square.
The successful night out underscores the enduring popularity of the Branning family, a cornerstone of EastEnders for decades, and hints at the dynamic storylines to come as the show continues to blend long-standing history with shocking new twists.
