EastEnders viewers are convinced that Max Branning is heading for a dramatic departure from Walford, with a murder mystery storyline expected to culminate in his death on New Year's Day. The character, played by Jake Wood, has continued to antagonise residents across the Square, including Cindy Beale, whom he jilted on their wedding day.
Max's Recent Conflicts
The shocking split with Cindy followed the revelation of his affair with Priya Nandra-Hart, although he remains unaware that she is expecting his child after her hasty departure. In the meantime, Max has rekindled his romance with former flame Linda Carter and is intent on taking the place of her husband, Mick Carter, who is believed to have perished after disappearing at sea on Christmas Day 2022.
Lee Carter, Linda and Mick's eldest son, is struggling to accept his mother's relationship with Max, while Nancy appears to be warming to the situation. In a further sinister development, Max was the final person to encounter Zoe Slater before she sustained a head injury and subsequently died from the resulting trauma.
The Death of Zoe Slater
Zoe had pleaded with Max for assistance, but he declined, assuming she was intoxicated. Now Kat Moon is determined to identify the individual who "left her daughter to die", declaring she "wants their blood" in a dark death threat.
Meanwhile, Max played a significant role in the disappearance of his niece, Amy Branning, after he agreed to release her £100,000 inheritance early on condition she lent him half of it to settle his debts. Amy was being groomed by corrupt officer Craig Ingram, and the pair plotted to flee together while her father, Jack, and former stepfather, Sean Slater, desperately hunted for her.
Fan Reactions and Speculation
In a distressing confrontation, Craig tried to assault Amy and forced himself upon her before she managed to lock herself in the bathroom. She then seized a candle holder and used it to strike Craig over the head. She subsequently stood over his motionless body before heading home, with no mention of Craig's fate.
As Max continues to make enemies around the Square, including members of his own family, EastEnders viewers are convinced he will be murdered in a major whodunit storyline. The iconic character, who first appeared two decades ago, is scheduled for a dramatic New Year's Day episode centred around his actions, following a flash-forward scene shown at the start of the year.
Turning to Reddit, one fan wrote: "All the signs that EastEnders is killing off Max Branning". A second added: "You're right he's getting killed off, but he shouldn't be killed off", while a third chimed in: "I don't want him to die." Another commented: "I suspect you're right and it will be a murder mystery. I hope not though, I don't want Max to die." "Yes, I also think you are correct, but I kind of always had a soft spot for Max and don't want him to be killed off," a further viewer added.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
