Max Branning's (Jake Wood) clandestine affair with Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan-Levy) is set to come perilously close to exposure in EastEnders next week, as he risks everything while engaged to Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). The Walford resident has been sneaking around behind Cindy's back with his car lot employee, Priya, who sought excitement after being dumped by Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
Jean's Discovery and a Close Call
Recent scenes saw Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) stumble upon the affair, and despite warning Priya about Max's ways, she agreed to keep quiet, believing that cruel Cindy's feelings are not worth worrying about. However, Max and Priya nearly expose themselves when they hook up again after Max arranges to meet Priya, driven by jealousy over his former flame Linda Carter's (Kellie Bright) blossoming romance with local councillor Clive Masters (Jason Durr).
After Max picks up his daughter Annie so Linda and Clive can go on a date, a moment between him and Linda indicates lingering feelings, but they avoid addressing it. Max then buries these feelings by having sex with Priya at her flat.
Panic on the Morning of Cindy's Hen Do
The following morning, on the day of Cindy's hen do, Max wakes up in Priya's bed having overslept. He flies into a panic after spotting multiple missed calls from Cindy, then runs into her at the café, where he makes up an excuse for not coming home the night before, which Cindy apparently buys into.
But with Cindy having previously been suspicious of Max and Priya, could she be playing a very long game before enacting the ultimate revenge on her cheating fiancé? EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 17th August at 7.30pm on BBC One, or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
What's Next for Max and Cindy?
The episode's events set the stage for potential fallout, as Cindy's apparent acceptance of Max's excuse may be a ruse. With the affair hanging by a thread, viewers will see whether Cindy's suspicions lead to a dramatic confrontation, or if Max's secrets finally catch up with him.
