EastEnders fans are convinced the BBC soap has played a masterful trick, with a New Year's Day flashforward episode potentially hiding the true identity of Max Branning's future bride.
A Bridal Red Herring?
In the episode aired on Monday, 1st January 2026, it was revealed that Max Branning is set to marry a mystery woman in 2027. A dramatic montage then teased four potential candidates: Cindy Beale, Linda Carter, Chelsea Fox, and Denise Fox.
Each woman was seen preparing or was implicated by a pair of abandoned wedding shoes. However, a growing number of viewers took to social media to argue that this was a deliberate misdirection by the show's writers.
Zoe Slater Emerges as Top Contender
Theories quickly centred on one notable absence from the episode: Zoe Slater, Max's former flame. Fans pointed out that their shared history makes her a prime candidate for the shocking wedding twist.
"Hold up. Unless Zoe is the bride and the ones shown are the bridesmaids???" questioned one fan on X, formerly Twitter. Another directly asked, "Is he marrying Zoe?" while a third stated, "I still think Zoe could be the bride." The speculation was summed up by a viewer who noted, "We didn't see Zoe so could she be the bride?"
Mystery of the Pregnant Woman
The episode added another layer of intrigue with a separate mystery. As Max woke up, an unidentified pregnant woman was in bed beside him, her face hidden. The scene focused on her caressing her baby bump before panning to a baby scan and pregnancy supplements.
This has sparked a parallel debate, with many fans convinced the sigh heard from the woman belonged to Chelsea Fox. "Sounds like Chelsea that does," claimed one viewer, a sentiment echoed by many others online. Chelsea recently hinted at finding Max attractive, which fans believe was a crucial clue.
With so many questions unanswered, Walford is set for major drama. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
