1. EastEnders unveils first glimpse of Linda Carter and Max Branning’s reunion after five years apart

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EastEnders spoilers tease Max Branning’s explosive comeback to Walford, where he’ll reunite with Linda Carter — still oblivious to the fact he’s the father of her daughter Annie after almost five years apart.

“BBC EastEnders has confirmed the return of Max Branning and Linda Carter, paving the way for a dramatic reunion between the former lovers after almost five years apart.
In 2020, Linda (Kellie Bright) had a brief fling with Walford charmer Max (Jake Wood) following her split from husband Mick (Danny Dyer).
Max left Walford in early 2021 after Linda rejected him, unaware she was pregnant with his child. Their daughter, Annie Carter, later arrived on-screen that same year.
A number of Albert Square residents already know the truth — that Max, not Linda’s late husband Mick, who vanished at sea three years ago, is Annie’s real father.”

“Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) and her brother Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) both know they have a half-sister, though their dad Max is still completely unaware, according to OK!.
Linda returns to Walford on Monday, 15 December, after leaving the Square earlier this year — and just a day later, she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with former flame Max.

She’s stunned to see him back in the area, all while continuing to hide the truth about Annie’s real father. But events take a dramatic turn when a fire breaks out at No.25, trapping Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) inside.

As horrified locals watch on, Oscar courageously races into the burning house to save her. Amid the unfolding chaos, Max — who also once dated Zoe — makes his return to Walford.”

Elaine Peacock’s (Harriett Thorpe) latest venture, Peacock Palace, launches with a flourish — but her excitement is quickly disrupted by the unexpected return of her daughter Linda.

Linda soon finds herself deep in thought after an unanticipated conversation with Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), who is facing her own cancer concerns. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) remains by his sister Sam’s side as she attends the hospital for a biopsy.

Meanwhile, Max keeps a worried watch over Oscar as he recovers from the fire and begins to grow suspicious of Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and Lauren’s unusually close behaviour.”

“With so many secrets still hanging between Max and Linda, the pair head to The Albert for a drink — but will Linda finally come clean about Annie’s real father?

Later, Max shares his worries about Ian with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) before making a surprise announcement in The Vic. But what exactly is he planning to reveal?

Inside The Vic, the spotlight turns to Lauren as Max attempts to make up for his past parenting mistakes by stepping up and supporting his daughter