Max actor Jake returned to the BBC soap for the first time in four years earlier in the year
EastEnders spoilers have revealed the aftermath of ‘shocking’ Christmas Day on Albert Square as Max Branning seeks to ‘right his wrongs’ ahead of a historic episode.
It was announced last month that Max will be at the centre of the BBC soap’s first ever flashforward episode. Airing on New Year’s Day, the episode will see viewers transported to 2027, where things are drastically different in Walford.
The episode will see Jake Wood’s character finding himself at the epicentre of the drama, and with multiple situations unfolding at once, it becomes clear that 2026 has many secrets waiting to be discovered, and a whole heap of trouble that would be hard for any one person to talk themselves out of.
Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer previously 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.”
According to EastEnders spoilers for the week after Christmas, the Brannings and the Slaters aren’t likely to end 2025 on a high note. The show’s bosses are keeping their cards close to their chest in terms of what happens on December 25, but Zoe Slater is set to suffer ‘catastrophic consequences’ amid her recent stalker torment.
On Monday, December 29, those affected by the shocking events of Christmas Day attempt to make sense of what has happened, but with things going bad to worse, one family struggles to see a way forward. The Beales and the Brannings attempt to put on a brave face to celebrate baby Jimmy’s christening.
Lauren Branning and Peter Beale’s attention is consumed by the prospect of Cindy Beale and Max meeting for the first time, and they make a mutual decision to uninvite Max due to his behaviour at Christmas and to save any further drama at the church. Later, Lauren has second thoughts when Max buys Jimmy a thoughtful gift and he appears visibly upset at the prospect of not being involved.
After Lauren invites him against Peter’s wishes, news reaches Cindy, who refuses to go if Max will be in attendance, but she needn’t have worried as it’s not long before Max finds himself uninvited once more when his brother Jack Branning drops a bombshell. However, Max ignores Lauren’s warning, and he heads to the Church. Just when Lauren and Peter think the day couldn’t get any worse, Max arrives after all.
Meanwhile, Harry Mitchell arrives home, much to the delight of his girlfriend Gina Knight, but he makes it clear that he needs to put their relationship on hold. Ravi Gulati also arrives back in Walford as his partner Priya Nandra-Hart and their children Nugget and Avani excitedly welcome him home, but it’s clear Harry is keen for revenge as he stews watching their happy reunion.
On Tuesday, December 30, the fallout of Christmas Day continues as secrets continue to rise to the surface. One Walford resident makes a decision in an attempt to help, but it soon backfires and causes more trouble for those involved. The congregation reel as Max and Cindy cause a commotion in the church.
Back in the Square, Oscar Branning attempts to give his dada pep talk to right his wrongs, but Max isn’t in the mood for any unsolicited advice and heads to Harry’s Barn to drown his sorrows. At Harry’s Barn, another resident attempts to guide Max, but he snaps back and upsets them in the process. Having watched the entire sorry affair, Nicola Mitchell delivers Max some home truths about his behaviour, and he heads out into the night in an attempt to right his wrongs.
The Beales and Brannings settle in for post-Christening drinks back at No.45, but it’s clear no one is in the celebratory mood. Elsewhere, Kojo Asare is thrilled to see his best friend Harry back home, but when Harry makes it clear he wants to seek revenge on Ravi for what he did to them, Kojo encourages him to try to forget. Later, Harry meets his brother Barney Mitchell in the café and asks him to move back to No.1, but Barney makes it clear that he’s enjoying living at Zack Hdson’s. Disappointed, Harry accepts, but soon after bumps into Ravi in the Square where he vents his frustrations.
On New Year’s Eve, Max wants to right his wrongs and asks Oscar for help to set up a secret meeting with Lauren in The Vic, which he reluctantly accepts. Lauren fumes at her dad for his actions and for using Oscar to get her to meet him After an eventful day, Max heads to Harry’s Barn and vows to fight for his family, but just what is in store for Max in the year of 2026?
As this is happening, Honey and Billy Mitchell look after Nigel Bates as Phil Mitchell and Julie Bates look at prospective care homes, but it soon becomes apparent that Nigel thinks Honey is Julie, and he attempts to flirt with her in front of a bemused Billy. Elsewhere, Penny Branning agrees to let Gina move into her flat. Harry starts working back in the Arches, but it’s clear he’s still struggling from the events of the year. Phil gives Harry some advice by sharing his own experience, and Harry misconstrues his words as confirmation that he should seek revenge on Ravi. Later, Nicola spies Harry attempting to jump Ravi from behind
Teasing what to expect from the New Year’s Day flashforward episode, an EastEnders spokesperson teased: “As 2026 dawns, a shocking flashforward episode provides tantalising clues about what the future holds for Max as we find him, and his family embroiled in drama on New Year’s Day 2027. But just what has happened, and why remains to be revealed over the next 12 months.”
