EastEnders has never been shy about bringing old characters back to stir up trouble, and this week the spotlight falls firmly on Zoe Slater. Returning to Albert Square for the first time in two decades, Zoe stunned viewers when she reappeared with Tommy Moon in tow. Living quietly in a London flat, Zoe was suddenly pulled back into Walford drama after Tommy tracked her down. Her reunion with Kat Slater marked an emotional moment, but fans quickly sensed there was more to Zoe’s story than meets the eye.

The BBC has already teased that Zoe’s “big secret” will be revealed in the upcoming September 3 episode, but speculation online is running wild. Viewers are convinced that her comeback is tied to one of the show’s most infamous characters — Max Branning.

Max Branning’s Return Confirmed

Earlier this year, EastEnders confirmed that Jake Wood would reprise his role as Max Branning. Fans last saw Max in 2021 when his affair with Linda Carter collapsed, leaving him heartbroken and out of Walford. Known for chaos, cheating scandals, and fractured family ties, Max’s history in the Square has left him with no shortage of enemies.

Jake Wood himself promised fireworks, saying: “Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy.” His official return is scheduled for later this autumn, but fans are convinced Zoe’s current storyline is laying the groundwork.

Fan Predictions Run Wild

Social media has been buzzing with theories linking Zoe to Max’s comeback. Many believe that Zoe, who reportedly lived in Spain under the fake name “Cleo,” could have secretly struck up a romance with Max during her years away.

One fan speculated: “Max returning will definitely be Wednesday’s Duff Duff. Then Zoe (who has called herself Cleo) will reveal she’s engaged to Max and is Joel’s mother.” Others echoed similar thoughts, predicting that Zoe could even be married to Max already.

Not everyone agrees, though. Some feel it would be too coincidental if Zoe turned out to be Joel Marshall’s mum and also Max’s partner. Still, the pattern of long-lost loves and shocking family reveals is exactly what EastEnders thrives on — so fans are bracing themselves for chaos.

Why Zoe and Max Make Sense

The idea of Zoe being romantically linked to Max isn’t as far-fetched as it first sounds. Both characters are no strangers to scandal, betrayal, and fractured family ties. Max has a history of failed marriages, with Tanya, Kirsty, and Rainie all left in his trail of destruction. Zoe, meanwhile, has always carried emotional scars from her complicated family past.

If Zoe is indeed engaged to Max, her reintroduction could serve two dramatic purposes: reconnecting her with the Slater clan and paving the way for Max’s bombshell return. The revelation would also deepen Max’s existing ties to Albert Square, ensuring his re-entry shakes the foundations of multiple families at once.

Secrets, Surprises, and Duff Duffs Ahead

With Wednesday’s episode shrouded in secrecy — the BBC has not released it early on iPlayer — fans are on high alert. Whether Zoe is revealed as Joel’s mother, Max’s new partner, or both, the storyline promises to kick off months of explosive drama.

Max Branning has always been one of EastEnders’ most unpredictable figures. Pairing his return with Zoe’s comeback ensures a perfect storm of betrayal, secrets, and family conflict. Walford is bracing itself for the fallout, and fans should prepare for one of the most dramatic autumn storylines in years.