Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by Jake Wood and first appeared on 27 June 2006. Wood departed the role in 2021 after 15 years, with his final scenes airing on 19 February. In July 2025, it was announced that Wood would reprise the role, with Max returning on 3 September. On 1 January 2026, Max was the focus of a flashforward episode to one year in the future, New Years Day 2027, with the events of 2026 set to focus on the Branning's and Max's journey towards 2027.