Legendary EastEnders star confirms epic return to Walford 19 years on from soap debut - promising 'unresolved drama and plenty of chaos'
The British actor, 52, who last appeared on screen in February 2021, said he is 'over the moon to be coming home to Walford'.
He said: 'I'm over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I'm sure he'll be busy.
'I'm excited to see what he's been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I'm sure there will be plenty of chaos.'
Max is reportedly set to return to the BBC soap in autumn, before making a permanent return later in the year.
During his first stint on the soap, Jake became a fan favourite amongst viewers, with his character Max being at the heart of several huge storylines.
The 2007 Christmas Day episode where it was revealed that Max had an affair with his daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) has become known as one of the most chaotic festive specials ever.
According to The Mirror, Max will return to Albert Square to find his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa), who is expected to marry into the Beales, Stacey, who is widowed, and a secret daughter with ex-lover Linda, yet to be discovered.
Speaking on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Jake said his return to the show was 'quite emotional' and felt 'like a very warm hug'.
He said: 'I just felt like it was the right time. I spoke to so many people there, they're just loving being there at the moment,
'I had a meeting with the new executive, Ben Wadey, back in January, and we went for lunch, and he just sort of outlined all of his ideas.
He continued: 'There's just so many characters that Max has got drama with, so it felt like the right time to go back and mix things up a bit.'
Jake went on to say that his character's return will be a dramatic one before adding that it also won't be 'friendly and warm'.
EastEnders executive producer Ben said: 'I'm delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning.
'Whilst his character has only been away from Albert Square for four years, Walford, and the lives of those who live in it, have changed immensely.
'Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen.
'However, with a past as chequered as Max's, it's fair to say that many Walford residents will not be pleased to see him, putting the Brannings back at the heart of the square, and the drama, this year.'
Jake left EastEnders on February 19, 2021, bringing an end to a long 15-year run on the show.
His character Max left Albert Square after burning bridges with many of his family and friends, and he joined his daughter Lauren and grandson Louie in New Zealand.
However, since Jake's final scenes aired in early 2021, he has certainly been keeping himself busy as he launched a podcast and starred in West End show 2:22: A Ghost Story.
EastEnders airs on BBC One from Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm.
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