EastEnders shares first look at Linda Carter and Max Branning’s reunion after five years
EastEnders spoilers reveal Max Branning's dramatic return to Walford where he'll cross paths with Linda Carter unaware he's the father of her daughter Annie after nearly five years apart
Linda Carter’s secret is set to be revealed as she returns to Walford(Image: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
BBC EastEnders has announced the comeback of characters Max Branning and Linda Carter setting the stage for a dramatic reunion between the former lovers after nearly five years apart.
Back in 2020, Linda (played by Kellie Bright) had a fleeting affair with Walford’s resident charmer, Max (Jake Wood), following her split from husband Mick (Danny Dyer).
Max bid farewell to Walford in early 2021 after being spurned by Linda, oblivious to the fact that she was carrying his child. The baby, Annie Carter, made her on-screen debut later that year.
Several residents of Albert Square are privy to the secret that Max, not Linda’s dearly missed husband Mick, who tragically disappeared at sea three years ago, is Annie’s biological father.
Linda returns to Albert Square with Ollie and Annie in upcoming scenes(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and her brother Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) are both aware they have a half-sister, though their father Max remains clueless, reports OK!.
Linda makes her return to Walford on Monday, 15 December, following her departure earlier this year. However, just a day later, she unexpectedly crosses paths with her ex-lover Max.
She’s taken aback to see Max in the Square, all the while concealing the truth about Annie’s paternity. But drama ensues when a fire engulfs No.25, trapping Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) inside.
As terrified bystanders look on, Oscar bravely dashes into the blazing building to rescue her. Amidst the chaos, Max, who also happens to be Zoe’s ex, arrives back in Walford.
Max Branning and Ian Beale have a run in during the run up to Christmas(Image: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
Elaine Peacock’s (Harriett Thorpe) new venture, Peacock Palace, kicks off with a bang. However, her plans are thrown into disarray by the unexpected return of her daughter Linda.
Linda is soon left pondering after an unexpected chat with Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), who is dealing with her own cancer worries. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) stands by his sister, Sam, during her hospital visit for a biopsy.
Meanwhile, Max anxiously keeps vigil at Oscar’s bedside as he recovers from the fire, growing suspicious of Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) and Lauren’s unusual closeness.
It’s safe to say there’s some unfinished business for’ Max in Walford(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
With secrets still hidden between Max and Linda, they decide to head to The Albert for a drink. Will Linda reveal the truth about Annie’s paternity?
Later on, Max confides his suspicions about Ian to Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and makes a public announcement in The Vic. But what will he reveal?
In The Vic, all attention shifts to Lauren, as Max tries to make amends for past parenting mistakes by stepping up for his daughter.
