EastEnders is set to uncover a huge secret involving Max Branning, as Oscar makes a shocking revelation. This won’t be the only bombshell exposed this Christmas, as a festive dinner with the Brannings and the Beales takes a very dramatic turn…

Returning Max begins the season distinctly lacking in Christmas cheer, as he stews on a huge secret that was recently revealed in The Vic.

As he makes his feelings clear and processes what’s occurred, Lauren and Jack are in damage control mode to try and keep Max calm. But can they stop him doing something rash?

Instead of listening to his loved ones, an emotional Max ends up taking advice from old flame Zoe, who herself is not in the most rational of moods as she grapples with her stalking stress. What hot-headed Max does next makes him even less popular than he already was among the locals.

Max’s shocking decision makes him rather unpopular in the Square as Christmas approaches. He is desperate to put things right with his son Oscar, but he gets distracted by Linda when he tries to resolve yet another of his current feuds.

But as he continues to rage against his dad, the tipsy teen lets out another secret to Max that leaves him utterly floored and threatens to ruin the family festivities. Could this be connected to one of Max’s exes and an elaborate lie they’ve spun him?

Oscar’s bombshell sets the scene for a terribly tense meal as the Branning and Beale clans come together to have dinner on Christmas Day.

Kathy and Harvey get into the festive spirit, but things quickly go wrong when Cindy arrives at the house. Ian and Peter desperately try to keep her away from Max and stop them from meeting for the first time – but they offend Cindy when they tell her she’s not welcome!

Meanwhile, a moody Max mulls over Oscar’s revelation, and there are more explosive exposures around the table that rock both families – so much for Max trying to make amends with his children…

That’s easier said than done, as Christmas Day ends with the Brannings and Beales more at odds than ever. And there’s an even bigger clash to come…