EastEnders has revealed that the BBC One soap will break new ground with a special flashforward episode, leaping one year ahead and centering on Max Branning.
EastEnders has unveiled a groundbreaking flashforward episode that jumps a full year into the future.
The BBC One soap will dedicate its entire New Year’s Day installment to events yet to come, giving viewers an intriguing glimpse of the drama awaiting them in 2026.
The 30-minute special will focus on Max Branning (Jake Wood) in 2027, exactly one year ahead of the current timeline, as he finds himself in serious trouble.
His situation is set to have far-reaching consequences not just for Max, but for his entire family as well.
In typical Branning fashion, Max places himself at the centre of Walford’s turmoil, with multiple storylines colliding at once, according to OK!.
The flashforward scenes will uncover that 2026 is packed with hidden secrets and a heap of trouble that would test anyone’s ability to come out unscathed.
A promotional image for the episode shows Max wearing a navy suit with a white rose pinned to his lapel, suggesting a potential wedding.
However, the flower is stained with blood – has Max fallen into danger, or crossed a criminal line? The Walford icon is also pictured adjusting his blue tie, wearing an expensive watch on his left wrist, and sporting a ring on his finger.
What’s behind Max’s polished look?
Teasing the flashforward, EastEnders’ executive producer Ben Wadey said: *“For the first time in the show’s history, we’re giving viewers a full flashforward episode airing on New Year’s Day 2027.
“2026 will be packed with drama in Walford, particularly for the Brannings, and the episode will leave audiences questioning how Max has ended up in such a predicament with his family. But things aren’t always as they seem, so stay tuned to see how and why it all unfolds.”*
Max first appeared on screens in 2006 and quickly gained a reputation as a reckless, serial womaniser whose behaviour caused chaos for his family and placed him at the centre of some of the soap’s most unforgettable storylines.
He left the Square in a heart-wrenching exit in 2021 after his affair with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) collapsed when she admitted her true feelings for her husband, Mick (Danny Dyer), while his meddling also led to his brother Jack’s (Scott Maslen) suspension from the police.
However, Max made a sensational return in September 2025 following a four-year absence. He arrived at The Queen Vic just as his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) was marrying Peter Beale (Thomas Law).
Under the shocked eyes of Lauren and former flame Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), Max caused a stir at the wedding by revealing a surprising connection to Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).
Max left Walford again afterward, but he is set for another dramatic comeback.
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