EastEnders Max Branning's next lover 'exposed' and it's not who you think

EastEnders viewers have "figured out" the new romantic interest for Max Branning as Jake Wood returns to his role as the notorious Walford lothario.

The news is out that the ex-car salesman will be making his way back to Albert Square this Autumn, and spectators are already guessing which lady will find herself in his bed upon his return.

A number of fans are certain that Max will be courting Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) when he finally reappears on the BBC One soap.

On X, previously known as Twitter, one fan wrote: "I could see him try his luck with Nicola Mitchell or Priya."

Another chimed in: "The concept of Nicola and Max having a relationship but Max cheating with Cindy causing Nicola to push him off the Queen Vic Roof #EastEnders.", reports Belfast Live.

A third individual commented: "If Max is coming back, my money is on him having a fling with Nicola. I'm shipping "Macola! #Eastenders."

A fourth social media user speculated: "Wait...imagine MAX RETURNS AND GETS WITH NICOLA? ? ? ? now that's a combo #EastEnders."

Max first graced our screens in 2006 and quickly gained a reputation as a self-destructive, serial womaniser, whose actions wreaked havoc on his family and placed Max at the centre of some of the show's most memorable storylines.

He departed Walford in 2021 when his affair with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) concluded after she confessed her true feelings for husband Mick, and his subsequent interference led to his brother Jack Branning's (Scott Maslen) suspension from his police job.

Max is set for a volcanic comeback to Walford this autumn for a short stint, with plans for a full-time return later in the year. Amidst tangled plots involving his daughter Lauren Branning's (Jacqueline Jossa) prospective nuptials with the Beales, his wayward teenage son Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) stirring up trouble back in town, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) facing widowhood, and a bombshell yet-to-be-uncovered secret daughter with former flame Linda, Max is certainly not short on reasons to return.

Commenting on his much-anticipated resurgence to Albert Square, Wood expressed elation: "I'm over the moon to be coming home to Walford."

The actor teases fans further: "Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I'm sure he'll be busy."

He went on to disclose his eagerness to delve into what lies ahead for the character, hinting at possible turmoil: "I'm excited to see what he's been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I'm sure there will be plenty of chaos."

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am