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EastEnders confirms major Max Branning twist that will change everything | Soaps
EastEnders is set to air an entire flash forward episode for the first time in the show’s four decades on air, offering a glimpse of what’s to come in the subsequent year and beyond.
While the BBC One soap has ventured into the future before, with the acclaimed storyline known as The Six springing to mind, the upcoming edition of the serial drama will be the first time a whole episode is dedicated to events that are, essentially, yet to come.
A special 30-minute instalment that will hit screens on New Year’s Day 2026 will follow Max Branning (Jake Wood) 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.
In fact, it’s not just one situation.
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.
Discussing the storyline, EastEnders boss Ben Wadey said: ‘For the first time in the show’s history, we’re going to be offering our viewers an entire flashforward episode set on New Year’s Day 2027.
‘2026 is going to be full of drama in Walford, especially for the Brannings, and the episode is sure to raise plenty of questions on how Max has got himself, and his family, into such predicaments, but all is not what it seems, so stay tuned for 2026 to find out how and why…’
Max returned to the Square earlier this year after four years away – and found himself embroiled in some pretty explosive Slater drama, having crossed paths with Zoe (Michelle Ryan) in throwback scenes.
Can’t wait for the next twist?
Hi, I’m Stephen Patterson, Metro’s deputy soaps editor.
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As noted above, EastEnders previously flashed into the future in February 2023, in a scene which showed six of the show’s most iconic women standing over the body of a man, with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) pronouncing him dead.
The scene provided for one of the show’s most talked about storylines in recent memory – not to mention months’ worth of speculation – as fans attempted to work out who the victim was.
The Christmas Day episode of the year in question saw Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) proncouced dead, with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) proving to be the one who claimed his life as she desperately tried to save best mate Sharon, who Keanu was strangling.
The storyline became a sensation and undoubtedly played a big part in EastEnders scooping various awards in the year which followed.
With the special Max episode just over a month away, it’s safe to say that fans will be looking forward to finding out what exactly the lothario finds himself involved in and how it will define his 2026.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
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