Stephen Patterson
Published December 1, 2025 12:03pm
Updated December 1, 2025 12:36pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Will Max Branning have a new love interest in 2027? And will it be a fan-favourite?(Picture: BBC)
Max Branning (Jake Wood) will take centre stage in EastEnders this New Year, with a special flashforward episode set to focus on what the future holds for the legendary lothario.
The offering in question, which airs New Year’s Day, will see the character – who returned to the Square in September after four years away – exactly one year in the future, where he finds himself in a sticky situation.
How very Max.
What exactly his plight will entail – or who will be involved – remains shrouded in mystery but there’s plenty of room for speculation, with fans already having their thinking caps on as they try to dig for clues.
Of the supposedly several tricky predicaments Max finds himself in at the beginning of 2027, a wedding seems a likely possibility, with the Walford icon pictured wearing a suit in the promotional photo released alongside the episode announcement.
Not only that, but he picked up the bouquet at daughter Lauren’s (Jacqueline Jossa) wedding earlier this year and we all know what that means!
But, if this does prove to be the case – and Max does walk down the aisle once more – then just who is the bride-to-be this time around?
Given that Max is not exactly a stranger when it comes to relationships and weddings, narrowing down possible brides should be a tall task. However, there is just one name that springs to mind for me – and a multitude of reasons why.
Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
Another wedding in Max’s future? (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
While Stacey left the show in September, it’s worth keeping in mind that star Lacey’s departure is thought to be a temporary one as opposed to a full-blown exit, with a spokesperson for the BBC One soap stating earlier this year that she will be back when ‘the time is right’.
This was reiterated once again when, following her exit scenes, EastEnders’ official social media channels posted a message waving ‘goodbye to Lacey Turner… for now’.
Can't wait for the next twist?
Hi, I’m Stephen Patterson, Metro’s deputy soaps editor.
If you want to stay up to date on the latest spoilers from Hollyoaks, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Corrie and more, sign up to our daily Soaps Newsletter.
Wake up to the latest storylines with my reporting (Picture: Stephen Patterson)
From the big moments to the gossip you can’t miss, it’s all in your inbox every morning. Sign up now.
What’s more, Stacey – who is undoubtedly one of EastEnders’ biggest characters, played by one of its most-lauded actors in Lacey – didn’t receive a Julia’s Theme for her goodbye sequence, which again echoes the sentiment that it wasn’t actually goodbye and was instead a ‘see you later’.
With Stacey pretty much guaranteed to return, the upcoming flashforward seems like it a perfect chance for her to stage her return.
Will Stacey appear in Max’s flashforward? (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
And the seeds for such a thing appear to have already been set in motion.
Despite having decided to leave the Square in the wake of her grief over Martin Fowler’s death, Stacey’s exit scenes were almost entirely about Max, who had only just set foot back in Walford.
At the time, Max made it quite clear that he’d be open to the prospect of rekindling their passion but Stacey couldn’t have been less interested after she uncovered his romance with Zoe (Michelle Ryan).
Max tried to make things right so that they didn’t part on bad terms but Stacey had nothing more to say as she got in a black cab.
Will Max and Stacey rekindle their passion? (Picture: BBC)
In her final moments on screen, she was seen listening to a voicemail from Max, who pondered that maybe one day they would ‘see each other again’.
More Trending
-
Zoe's tormentor is finally revealed in EastEnders but another twist follows
Channel: EastEnders EastEnders 3 days ago By Maisie Spackman - Trial shocker in EastEnders as Teddy's decision leads to verdict
- TV legend utterly unrecognisable 30 years on - can you tell who it is?
- All EastEnders spoilers for next week as legend is in for the shock of her life
I don’t know about you but a line of dialogue implying that Stacey and Max might see one another again in the future seems a deliberate choice now that we know there is a flashforward coming.
Could this confirm that Stacey will be back at some point next year and that she and Max have worked out their issues and reunited?
With Lacey’s return a certainty, all arrows are pointing to an appearance in the flashforward – but will Stace be the next Mrs Branning?
Deals of the Day
Need a trip? Loveholidays launches biggest ever Cyber Monday sale with prices from £19
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
Arrow MORE: EastEnders finally confirms return date for Linda Carter – and there’s huge drama
Arrow MORE: EastEnders Christmas spoilers confirm shocking secret which explodes amid three huge returns
Arrow MORE: Violent EastEnders Christmas showdown as family member leaves Max bleeding
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source The Soaps Newsletter – DailyAll the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.
Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
