EastEnders fans were left stunned this week when Max Branning (Jake Wood) returned to the soap after four years away. His reappearance was dramatic, as he was revealed to be on the other end of mysterious phone calls to Zoe Slater. While viewers speculated about his motives, the truth was even more explosive: Max is romantically involved with Zoe after the pair met in a bar a year ago.

The bombshell, however, didn’t stop there. As Zoe lay in hospital fighting for her life, Stacey Slater unknowingly picked up her phone. What happened next gave fans the reunion they didn’t know they needed. Stacey ended up speaking directly to Max — her former lover from one of the soap’s most infamous affairs.

Stacey and Max’s Affair Still Haunts the Square

Longtime viewers remember the scandal of 2007, when Stacey’s affair with Max was revealed in front of their families on Christmas Day. That shocking moment remains one of EastEnders’ most memorable storylines, forever tying the two characters together.

Their tangled history resurfaced again in 2017, when Max and Stacey attempted to run away together on Christmas Eve. That plan ended in tragedy after Tanya appeared and Abi and Lauren fell from the roof of The Vic, leaving devastation in its wake.

Now, almost two decades after their first scandal, fate has drawn Stacey and Max back together — this time through a tense phone call.

Zoe’s Shocking Spiral

The storyline that drew Max back into the picture is already dramatic in its own right. After Max lent Zoe £5,000 to help her track down her missing son, she became entangled in a dangerous situation. Zoe lashed out at a neighbor who tried to assault her, striking him with a lamp. Believing she had killed him, Zoe panicked and stormed away from Max when he refused to get involved.

In her anger, Zoe reached out to Stacey — not realizing this would reopen old wounds and ignite fresh drama. Stacey soon discovered messages from Max on Zoe’s phone, unaware of who was behind them. The cryptic texts mentioned money, a necklace, and unfinished business, which only deepened the mystery.

When Stacey decided to call back, Max assumed he was speaking to Zoe. He answered with chilling familiarity: “Did you miss me? Is everything okay?”

The poor phone signal meant Stacey didn’t recognize Max’s voice, but Max immediately recognized hers. The moment left him speechless. Though they haven’t yet reunited face to face, fans now know it’s only a matter of time.

At the episode’s close, Zoe warned Max to stay away from Walford, threatening to “end him” if he showed his face. But in true Max Branning fashion, he made it clear he doesn’t take orders. His words — “I hate being told what to do” — were a clear signal that he’s heading back to the Square, whether Zoe or Stacey like it or not.

What Comes Next for Max and Stacey?

With Stacey set to leave Walford in upcoming weeks, the clock is ticking on a reunion that could reopen old wounds for both families. Max has never been one to slip quietly back into town, and his presence is guaranteed to stir chaos.

Will Stacey confront him about their past when they meet again? Will Zoe’s threats keep him away, or push him closer to reclaiming his place in the Square? And could the ghosts of Christmas 2007 resurface once more, tearing the Brannings and Slaters apart all over again?