In an explosive early release on BBC iPlayer, the latest EastEnders episode delivers a classic Walford showdown, as a long-buried secret explodes in the middle of a family christening. The drama, available to stream now ahead of its BBC One broadcast, centres on Max Branning (Jake Wood) and his revelation that threatens to tear two clans apart forever.
A Christening Day Shattered by the Past
The episode picks up immediately from the previous day's events, with the combined Beale and Branning families demanding that the uninvited Max leave the church. Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) is furious, accusing her father of repeatedly making special occasions, like her wedding, all about himself. As tensions rise, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) lays into Max over his role in her son Steven's death.
Attempting to calm the situation, Max suggests they should just "bite down on it." Cindy's sharp retort hints at a deeper history: she seems to remember him saying something similar before. The confrontation escalates until Cindy unleashes an almighty slap across Max's face. In retaliation, Max drops his bombshell: he reveals their anonymous sexual encounter on Christmas Day.
The confirmation comes from Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine), who bluntly tells the stunned congregation, "Santa left some ginger nuts in Cindy's stocking." The fallout is instant and violent.
Fists Fly and Families Fracture
Enraged by the insult to his mother and the ruination of yet another family event, Peter Beale (Thomas Law) launches a vicious punch at Max, who swiftly returns the blow. The fight is broken up by Max's brother, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), who forcibly removes him from the church.
Outside, Max finds no sympathy, even from his own grandson. Louis (Jake McNally) coldly orders him to leave. Later, back on Albert Square, a defiant Max smokes a cigarette in the middle of the road, deliberately holding up the christening guests, much to Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) fury.
Max's Vulnerability and a Risky Move
After a barbed comment from his son Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier), Max retreats to Harry's Barn, where he flirts with Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington). His fragile state is revealed when Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) finds him. Max opens up about the pain of losing his grandson, Abi Junior, to his ex-wife Tanya.
When Linda gently probes whether a woman is at the root of his latest disruption, Max snaps, lashing out at her judgmental attitude and causing her to withdraw. He later softens, finding Linda at Peacock's Palace to apologise. In a rare moment of vulnerability, tears flow as Max confesses his failings as a parent, drawing out Linda's supportive side once more.
She tells him she knows he has a heart and will eventually figure things out. Seemingly touched, Max thanks her genuinely. But, in true Max Branning fashion, he cannot leave well enough alone. As viewers who stream the episode on iPlayer will discover, he leans in for a kiss, risking the one sincere connection he has left.
This early iPlayer release, dated December 30, 2025, sets the stage for more drama, proving that in Walford, no family gathering is safe from the ghosts of Christmas past.
