EastEnders viewers believe they have identified the mystery gunman who will kidnap Max Branning’s children on New Year’s Day 2027. The flashforward episode earlier this year showed Lauren and Oscar Branning being taken hostage by a masked figure who forced Max to choose which child to save.
In Tuesday’s episode (3 March), Max himself kidnapped Tim Walton, stuffing the property developer into the boot of his car and threatening his life. Max warned Tim to stay away from the Carter family, particularly Johnny, whom Tim had blackmailed into a sexual relationship. Max later dumped a beaten Tim by the roadside.
However, fans are not convinced this is the last of Tim. One wrote: “No way is Tim going to just disappear.” Another added: “Yeah Tim's too ruthless to be scared off by Max. I wonder if he's got anything to do with Lauren and Oscar's kidnapping at NYE?” A third said: “We could add Tim to the list of 'gunmen' suspects in the Flashforward.”
Tim’s villainous actions were exposed last week when he tricked Callum Highway into breaking into his home, then used the footage to blackmail Johnny into sleeping with him. The storyline has explored the aftermath, with Johnny and Callum blaming Linda Carter for not warning them about Tim’s intentions.
Linda admitted she knew Tim planned to test Callum but claimed she did not know he would target Johnny. Despite this, she chose not to tell them, fearing Callum would hurt her son. Some fans criticised Johnny and Callum for their harsh treatment of Linda, while others supported their anger, especially after Linda dismissed Johnny’s experience as sexual assault.
One viewer commented: “Blackmailing someone to sleep with you is not consent… LINDA CARTER of all people to dismiss this??? What on earth?” The show continues to air on BBC One.
