EastEnders' Max Branning (Jake Wood) faces exposure next week as his affair with Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan-Levy) nearly comes to light during his engagement party with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). Max proposed to Cindy while secretly sleeping with Priya, and his lies are about to catch up with him.
Cindy plans engagement party
The week begins with Cindy feeling down about her party when her children Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) and Peter Beale (Thomas Law) show little interest. Max, busy at the car lot, initially seems unconcerned but then insists on a big celebration. As Cindy goes into full planning mode, she naively asks Priya to help organise the event, unaware of her affair with Max.
Priya reveals relationship troubles
Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) also assists with preparations but unintentionally upsets Priya. While trying to comfort her, Priya reveals the recent end of her relationship with Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara). Later, Priya clashes with Cindy, prompting Max to intervene, fearing Priya might expose their secret. Priya leaves Max rattled with a warning.
Bold flirtation at the party
Enjoying Max's discomfort, Priya makes a bold entrance to the engagement party and openly flirts with him. Cindy notices and begins watching the pair closely. With Max's life set to spiral out of control leading up to New Year's Day—as previewed in January's flashforward episode—crossing Cindy may prove dangerous, as she is not known for rational behavior when wronged.
EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 29th June at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
