EastEnders fans believe they have worked out the real reason Jack Branning is not on speaking terms with his brother Max at New Year, following a shocking twist involving Jack's daughter Amy.
The flashforward that aired at the start of the year showed Jack (Scott Maslen) no longer talking to Max (Jake Wood). Over the past few weeks, Jack's daughter Amy (Ellie Dadd) has been groomed by Craig Ingram (Matthew James-Bailey).
Craig has been pushing Amy for money, and she was determined to empty her trust fund, which held £100,000. Needing the signature of one of the trustees, she turned to Uncle Max.
Max's secret deal with Amy
Max, who has money troubles of his own, seemed keen to help Amy - for a cut. Though he didn't know why Amy wanted the money, he later saw her getting into Craig's car. Max clearly sensed something was up and rushed to tell Jack... only to change his mind.
The slimy businessman chose not to say anything about his niece getting into the car of an older man because he still wanted money. He told Amy that he would help her get the money, but it had to be a secret.
Fans predict the New Year fallout
Fans are now sure this is the reason Jack hates Max at New Year - if something happens to Amy and Jack finds out what Max did, he will blame his brother, who could have said something and didn't.
One fan said: "So Jack and Max aren't on speaking terms on NYD because he's gonna help Amy get the money to run off with Craig, isn't he?"
Another said: "I could also see max and jack not being on speaking terms due to the fact max uses her trust fund money. Either or is possible."
A third slammed Max for his actions, saying they weren't surprised no one seemed to like Max on New Year's Day: "It's never about anyone else it's always me me me with that guy then he makes himself look good by helping Jack break into Craig's flat . No wonder everyone is gunning for him at New Years ."
What happens on New Year's Day
On 1 January 2027, it isn't just Jack who seems to hate Max. Peter Beale (Thomas Law) also isn't speaking to his father-in-law and refuses to attend his wedding.
Likewise, Max is arrested for soliciting a murder and claims he's being set up, implying someone else hates him enough to want him in prison. Finally, a mystery gunman takes Max's children Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) hostage and forces him to pick one to save.
