EastEnders viewers have speculated that Tim Walton, the investor recently kidnapped by Max Branning, could be the mystery gunman who takes Lauren and Oscar Branning hostage on New Year's Day 2027. In a flashforward episode earlier this year, a masked gunman was seen abducting the siblings and forcing Max to choose which one to save.
On Tuesday's episode (3 March), Max kidnapped Tim and threatened his life after learning he had blackmailed Johnny Carter into a sexual relationship. Max later released a beaten Tim on the roadside, but fans believe this is not the last of him. One viewer wrote: 'No way is Tim going to just disappear. I wonder if he's got anything to do with Lauren and Oscar's kidnapping at NYE?' Another added: 'We could add Tim to the list of gunmen suspects.'
The episode also saw Johnny and Callum Highway blame Linda Carter for failing to warn them about Tim's intentions. Linda admitted she knew Tim was planning to test Callum but did not disclose it, fearing Callum would harm her son. Some fans criticised Linda for dismissing Johnny's ordeal as sexual assault, given her own history as a survivor.
If you've been affected by sexual assault, help is available via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or the national helpline on 0808 802 9999.
