Max Branning IS BACK Next Week – But It’s What’s Left Unsaid That’s Fueling Speculation

After Chris Clenshaw’s final episode aired last night, EastEnders were left with some very exciting news. On Monday – to mark Ben Wadey’s first episode, the soap will simulcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7.30pm. The last time this happened was during the 40th anniversary live week in Feburary – so fans can expect something big.

But that’s not all, to go alongside the announcement, EastEnders released a promo video of a door opening on the Square with the caption: “Knock Knock. Who’s there?” Fans now believe there’s a huge return for one character, and they think they’ve ‘worked out’ who.

Along with the announcement, new Executive Producer Ben Wadey teased: “Next week marks the start of something big in Walford that we hope will get everyone talking, and it’s only just the beginning. We’ve got twists, shocks, and plenty of drama lined up for a summer you don’t want to miss.”

Fans believed they’ve ‘worked out’ who’s behind the door
In the promo video, the door that opens has number 14 on it. Could this be a huge clue? Many fans seem to think so. Taking to the Instagram post, one fan questioned: “What’s the 14 significance?!”

One penned: “Searched who left 14 years ago and it was Jim Branning, who unfortunately cannot return. Butttttttt Tanya Branning left 14 years ago too so I think it’s the return of OSCAR BRANNING,” as another wrote: “Max and Oscar.”

Recently, pictures were released of a grown boy filming with Lauren, with many believing it was Oscar. Jake Wood has also been rumoured to make a return as the iconic, troubled Max Branning – could it be as soon as Monday?

Fans believe Max could be making a return as soon as Monday(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
Others were certain it was Max returning, as one penned: “Max did 14 years if you minus his gap year,” with a third simply writing: “Max is back!”

Spoilers for Monday reveal Alfie receives a phone call from Stacey Slater – although no context was given. No EastEnders fan could ever forget the infamous affair between Max and Stacey – so could it link to this?

However, other fans believe it could be the return of Zoe Slater, following Kat and Alfie’s big day. It was recently reported that Michelle Ryan would be reprising her role as Zoe, and fans think now is the perfect time.

“I have a feeling that this will either be a Zoe Slater return or a Max Branning return. Either way it’s going to be big,” wrote one, as another said: “Zoe return? Would tie in with Kat and Alfie getting married the previous day. Not sure where she’s supposed to be at the moment but maybe missed her flight or something and was planning a surprise wedding appearance.”

“The spoilers for the 16th, says that Alfie is hiding something, and Kat & Alfie have just got married. So I guess it’s Zoe returning on Monday,” penned another.

Many theories have been floating around about Zoe’s return with some believing she could be Joel Marshall’s mum.

Will Max or Zoe be making their return? Or will it be someone, or something, else? Fans will have to wait until 7:30pm on Monday to find out…