EastEnders: Walford Shaken as Max Returns and Linda Faces Her Worst Nightmare – But Who’s About to Betray Whom Next? 😱🎭
Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is back in Walford in EastEnders soon. The problem? So is Max Branning (Jake Wood).
Max left Albert Square and joined daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and grandson Louie in New Zealand back in 2021.
His brief love affair with Linda was in tatters at the time, and after landing himself in hot water, he had no future in the area.
Little did he realise, Linda was pregnant with his daughter, and decided to keep her birth a closely guarded secret.
Upon Lauren’s return to Walford last year, she was introduced to Annie, though chose not to say anything to her estranged father.
In upcoming episodes, the launch of Peacock’s Palace gets off to a grand start. As Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) enjoys every single moment, plans are suddenly derailed by the return of Linda and children Ollie and Annie.
Prior to Max’s return, a fire starts at Number 25 and Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) realises that Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) is trapped inside.
As Max heads home and gets word that Oscar is in hospital, he heads over and anxiously waits by his son’s bedside. While Oscar recovers, Max cannot help but grow suspicious of Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) uncharacteristic closeness with Lauren.
Back in the Square, Linda comes face to face with Max. They haven’t seen each other in five years, so they head to The Albert for a drink, ready to open up about what their lives have been like in the time they haven’t spoken.
But will Linda mention Annie at this point?
There are further big things ahead for Max in the New Year, as EastEnders airs another flashforward episode.
A special 30-minute instalment that will hit screens on New Year’s Day 2026 will follow Max exactly one year into the future (early 2027), where he finds himself in a sticky situation – one that, in typical Walford fashion, will not only have huge consequences for himself but also for his family.
Multiple events will unfold simultaneously, which means that 2026 will be one to watch for audiences, with many secrets waiting to be discovered alongside a plethora of drama that would be hard for anyone – yes even Max! – to talk themselves out of.
The episode in question will provide clues about what is yet to unfold for Max – and those around him – in 2026, meaning that fans will have plenty to speculate about.