EastEnders fans were left gobsmacked on Monday night as Max Branning made a shock return to Albert Square, walking into his daughter Lauren's wedding to Peter Beale in a jaw-dropping cliffhanger.
The wedding had initially seemed in doubt when Lauren stormed out, but a heart-to-heart with Stacey Slater convinced her to go ahead. The ceremony passed without incident until the bouquet toss, when no one caught the flowers and Max emerged to pick them up from the floor, declaring: "Must be my lucky day!"
His surprise appearance left Lauren, Stacey and other residents reeling. Spoilers for the week ahead reveal that Kat warns Zoe Slater to stay away from Max after spotting them together, while Max's attention appears focused on Stacey as he follows her back to number 31.
Further drama is teased when Cindy Beale learns Max is back in Walford, heading to confront the man responsible for the death of her son Steven.
Viewers took to social media to express their delight, with one writing: "When Max walked in omg! MY G IS BACKKK," while another said: "What a Duff Duff! My favourite character Max Branning is officially back on Albert Square after 4 years away!"
