EastEnders Excludes Two Major Characters as Max Branning's New Year Bride
EastEnders character Max Branning, portrayed by Jake Wood, continues his legacy of scandal and romantic turmoil in Walford. The serial philanderer, known for his lying and cheating ways, has been confirmed to marry on New Year's Day 2027, as revealed in a flashforward episode. This development occurs while a pregnant woman sleeps in his bed, adding to the drama.
The Bride's Identity Remains a Mystery
The identity of Max's bride is currently unknown, with initial possibilities including Linda Carter, Cindy Beale, Chelsea Fox, and Denise Fox. However, recent episodes have seemingly ruled out two major characters. Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright, was once considered the obvious choice after Max recently declared her "the one." Their history includes a six-year-old affair during Linda's marriage to Mick Carter, which ended when she discovered Mick's childhood trauma.
Despite Linda's willingness to give Max a chance after years of grief following Mick's loss and her involvement in a murder, Max betrayed her by hiding the identity of her son Ollie's bully. Linda has since reiterated that nothing romantic will ever happen between them, effectively removing her from the bride lineup.
Cindy Beale Also Seemingly Ruled Out
Cindy Beale, portrayed by Michelle Collins, emerged as another potential bride due to palpable chemistry with Max, despite their troubled past. Cindy initially despised Max for his role in her son Steven's demise, making their unexpected Christmas encounter awkward. The prospect of their partnership causing mayhem in Walford made her a compelling option.
However, Max's aggressive behavior in a recent episode, after discovering Cindy took Jasmine Fisher's phone from his room, has reopened old wounds. This incident has reminded Cindy of Max's true nature, severing her chances of becoming the next Mrs. Branning.
Other Possibilities and Speculations
With Linda and Cindy seemingly out of the running, attention turns to Denise Fox and Chelsea Fox as potential brides. Adding to the intrigue, former mainstay Libby Fox is set for an unexpected comeback on January 1, hinting at a family-related event. This raises questions: is Libby returning to witness her mother or sister marry Max, or is her appearance a red herring?
There is still plenty of time for twists, with possibilities including Linda or Cindy re-entering the mix or new characters like Stacey Slater joining the bride speculation. EastEnders promises to keep viewers guessing with dramatic turns leading into the festive season and beyond.
Viewing Details
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and is available for streaming from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on this unfolding storyline.
