EastEnders fans have spotted a cruel detail that proves Max Branning hasn't changed, as the character makes a dramatic return to Walford. Despite the excitement surrounding Jake Wood's comeback, viewers noted that Max is prioritising women over his family once again, returning not for his children but for a Slater girl.
Wednesday's episode ended on a cliffhanger as Max's return began. After Zoe Slater was shot, her phone was answered by a worried Kat, and viewers discovered it was Max on the other end. The soap later revealed a romantic relationship between Max and Zoe, which is what brings him back to Walford.
Fans took to social media to criticise Max's priorities. One wrote: 'Max Branning hasn't changed one bit. He wasn't coming back to help his troublesome kids he's really come back for gyal.' Another highlighted how he was absent when his daughter Lauren struggled with addiction and learned her son was blind, or when his son Oscar was released from young offenders, but when a Slater woman is in trouble, he's there 'like a flash'.
Max's history of womanising and neglecting his family is well-documented. He had an affair with his son's fiancée Stacey Slater while his wife was pregnant, and later slept with Lauren's best friend Lucy while Lauren battled alcoholism. His actions indirectly caused the death of his daughter Abi, who fell from the roof of The Vic after climbing up after him.
Speaking about his return, Jake Wood said: 'I'm over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I'm sure he'll be busy.' Fans expect more chaos, with one calling his return 'legendary' and describing him as a 'liar, conman, worst father, best womaniser, biggest manipulator, gaslighter, storyteller, dodgy insurance salesman, loveable rogue, traitorous husband, cowardly all-rounder, walking mid-life crisis, bald yet ginger king.'
