Ian Beale gets a creepy message from his dead daughter Lucy in a typically bleak Christmas on EastEnders

It looks set to be a typically cheerful Christmas in Walford this year as EastEnders has released a rather creepy new trailer.

The festive period in Albert Square is rarely the most wonderful time of the year for its residents, but this year features a particularly shocking twist as Ian Beale receives a note apparently from his late daughter, Lucy.

Lucy’s killer was revealed as her young brother Bobby after a long-running whodunnit, but the Square may not have seen the last of her as Ian finds a gift of a Christmas pudding with a message that reads “Merry Christmas Love Lucy”.

Stacey and Martin also get a surprise present, although their reaction is much happier as it’s an enormous turkey with all the trimmings.

The two mysterious gifts have left fans wondering whether they could be from Max Branning, who is due to return on Christmas Day. He’s already warned he can’t forgive Ian as he was framed for Lucy’s murder, but Stacey always protested his innocence.

Phil Mitchell looks as though he could be spending his last Christmas in Walford as his health deteriorates and Dot says to him: “God be with you. That means goodbye.”

https://youtu.be/w14oYaMxCns

Billy is also shown telling Sharon to sit down as he has some news about Phil.

And the gloom continues for the Carters, with Whitney concerned over Lee’s depressed behaviour and his dad Mick warning him that 'secrets eat away at you'.

Meanwhile, as the BBC One soap builds towards its new year storyline, Ronnie is seen talking to sister Roxy about her heavy drinking, while Roxy claims: “I’m a waste of space, like Jack keeps reminding me.”

Jake Wood returns to EastEnders after an ‘amazing’ year off and tells us a bit about menacing Max Branning's reappearance in Walford…

Has Max changed a lot since we last saw him? “Being wrongly imprisoned for killing Lucy Beale has had a profound effect on Max. He is very different to when you last saw him.”

 What sort of welcome can Max expect from the Albert square residents? “Some will be happier to see him than others. I hope his daughters, Lauren and Abi, will be pleased to see him, and hopefully Jack, too. I’m not sure how welcome Max will be back in the Square at first. Especially by the Beales!”

Can he forgive the Beale family for what they did to him? “They have to come to some sort of understanding if they are to live side by side, but Max spent all that time in prison because Jane and Ian lied in court.”

What’s in store for Max? “He causes a lot of friction, that’s all I can say. At certain times, the audience will know more about Max than those around him. It’s going to be incredibly exciting.”

What is his relationship like with Lauren and Abi? “A little bit fractured. Things are better between Lauren and Max than Abi and Max. Lauren is more pleased to see him. Hopefully Abi will come round.”

 Why did you decide to go on a break from EastEnders? “I did nine years on the soap without a break and the schedules can be very demanding.  I have a very young family, I’d just done Strictly Come Dancing, and I was exhausted. It also gives the character a reboot and that was in the back of my mind as I love EastEnders and I want to be here longer term.”

How did you spend your time off? “I was at home being a dad. I did every school run, watched every school production and went to every sports day. I just immersed myself in family life. I knew I was coming back, so there was no pressure.”

You weren’t tempted by other acting roles? “I got offered bits and pieces but I didn’t want to do much as it was about spending time with my family. I felt very lucky to be in that position and it was an amazing year.”

What are you doing for Christmas? “It will be a family Christmas at home with the children. As for Christmas shopping, I will be running round on Christmas Eve sweating with the rest of them!”

After being framed for Lucy Beale’s murder and wrongly imprisoned, a vengeful Max makes a shock return to Albert Square….

The Brannings and Beales are set for an explosive Christmas when a ghost from the past returns: Max Branning is back!

The wheeler-dealer car salesman will return to EastEnders after a year away, but one thing is guaranteed: it’s not going to be a happy reunion.

Viewers saw Max bundled away in the back of a police car in October 2015 after being wrongly accused of Lucy Beale’s murder.

Despite the beaten-down Branning’s desperate shouts that Bobby was the real killer as he was led away, Max was found guilty of the crime and spent six months behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit.

Justice came in May 2016 when it was finally revealed that Bobby was the true killer and the duplicitous Beale family had perverted the course of justice by covering for months for the troubled schoolboy who murdered his sister by clobbering her over the head with a jewellery box.

Max was duly released from prison and Lauren and Abi were hoping to be reunited with their father, however a bitter and betrayed Max made only a fleeting return to Walford before vanishing. Where has he been for the past seven months and what’s he been doing?

We’ll find out this Christmas when the ginger Lothario comes striding back into Albert Square intent on revenge.

Speaking earlier in the year about Max’s return, Jake Wood, who plays him, said: "I’d like to see him coming after Ian Beale for setting him up, I think that would be a good storyline. Hopefully he’ll come out of prison looking for revenge!”

What retribution has Max got in store? Should Ian and Jane be quaking with fear at his sudden reappearance and how will Max cope with the fact that daughter Lauren is now firmly ensconced with the enemy in the Beale household thanks to her baby with Peter Beale and her relationship with his stepbrother Steven?

Elsewhere, with alcoholic Phil’s health deteriorating rapidly, the anxious Mitchell family faces the prospect that this could be the ailing mechanic’s very last Christmas. Without a liver transplant time is running out for the frail Mitchell.

Phil’s not the only one struggling. At the Carters, Lee, who has been battling depression and mounting debts, can’t cope with the prospect of a big family Christmas. Weighed down with guilt that he’s been deceiving his family and new wife Whitney, and feeling listless about life, what desperate actions will the former soldier take next?

With shock revelations, dangerous decisions, twisted revenge plans and old scores to settle, one thing is certain: Christmas in Walford is going to be yet another explosive cracker!

Actor Jake Wood revealed he hasn’t watched a single episode of EastEnders since he left the show, but has confirmed a return for later this year.

His character Max Branning is currently in jail for the murder of Lucy Beale, despite her brother Bobby being the real killer.

Jake Wood plays the incarcerated Max Branning in EastEnders (Jack Barnes/BBC)

He told Kugan Cassius in an iFL TV YouTube interview: “I left in July and I haven’t watched an episode since I left. I needed a good break. I’ve done nine years without a break.

He continued: “I went up and saw them (the producers) and said I was knackered and wanted a bit of time out. They’ve given me this summer off as well because I want to be with the kids and then it’s September I’m pencilled in to go back.

Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) got involved with Max and now his character is wrongly imprisoned for her murder (BBC)

When asked if he is keeping up with the developments in Bobby’s storyline, he replied: “When I’m having this break now, I’m not watching it at all, so I don’t know who’s doing what.”

He said that when the time comes for his return, he’ll 'watch it on catch-up'.

But even a little distance hasn’t made his famous escape from the dock at his trial any more bizarre.

“It was fun, stupid isn’t it? It seemed a little bit far fetched, but it’s great drama, isn’t it?” he said.

Well! EastEnders’ new theme tune should be: Let’s Twist Again after Jane Beale’s (Laurie Brett) performance at Max Branning’s trial for murder.

Even Max (Jake Wood) didn’t look like he believed it when Jane stood up in court and told the jury she was with Max all night, in his bed, with him, when he is supposed to have killed Lucy Beale.

Jane lied under oath because she knows her son Bobby killed Lucy and “can’t let an innocent man go to prison”.

But she might have perjured herself for nothing because then came another shock twist: Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) took the jury foreman (Rupert Holliday Evans) for a car ride at the end of Friday’s episode - and not to show the poor bloke the sights of Walford.

In Monday’s episode, the jury foreman is asked: “ Have the jury reached a verdict upon which you are all agreed?”

What’s he going to say? Will he say “Guilty” then point to Phil and say: “But that brute told me to say ‘Not Guilty’?

Or will he hand Max a get out of jail card?

Find out in EastEnders on BBC1, Monday, September 28, 8.00pm.

Max's murder trial reaches its conclusion and viewers can expect unpredictable drama and big shocks, EastEnders’ Jake Wood tells Soaplife…

It's amazing how Max Branning has managed to look so guilty for a crime he didn't commit. But now he needs to adopt an innocent face because he's about to stand trial, and there are a few surprises in store – such as Jane Beale's shock testimony, which she makes in a bid to ensure that Max walks free.

What does Max make of Jane’s (Laurie Brett) shock testimony?

"He doesn't know why she’s saying it and he doesn't understand her motives. It makes him feel a little bit out of control. All these things are happening in the Square and he can’t do anything about them."

Does Max cope with the pressure of the trial?

“No. At one point, he just cracks. He does something silly and he doesn’t think of the consequences or how it could affect the outcome. I can't tell you much, but it's very dramatic."

Why does Max turn to Stacey for help?

"He and Stacey [Lacey Turner] have always had a connection. Despite everything, there's a friendship there and he feels he can trust her. He prays that she’ll believe him when he says he had nothing to do with Lucy’s murder and he’s innocent."

If Max is set free, what sort of a future can he expect?

"I hope he'd get back to having a good relationship with his daughters. He's lost everything: his house, his car… everything! He's at rock bottom and he'd have to start all over again."

How would he react if he found out that Bobby killed Lucy?

"That would be a shock, but a relief, too, as it would get him off the hook. If he did find out, I think he'd go straight to the police and tell them. He'd be really upset if he ever discovered Lauren [Jacqueline Jossa] knows the truth."

How would you describe the trial in three words?

"Shocking, unpredictable… dramatic!"

EastEnders, BBC1

The wait is almost over. Following the dramatic murder trial that has gripped Walford – not to mention every EastEnders fan – Max's day of reckoning has finally arrived. Will he be sent to jail for killing Lucy – a crime he didn't commit? Or will Jane's shocking testimony keep him out of clink?

As the locals gather in court to hear the verdict, Jane encounters Lauren, who is still torn over whether to speak up for her dad, or stick to Jane's scheme to keep Max out of prison...

Jane has struck a deal with Max's dodgy lawyer Marcus, and she's desperate to keep Lauren from wrecking her plan. But will Lauren keep quiet?

As the tension mounts, prosecutor Hazel Warren makes her closing statement...

Will the jury be convinced by the case against Max and find him guilty?

Looking on from the public benches, tension is etched on the faces of Lauren, Carol and Stacey as they await Max's fate...

As the jury delivers its verdict, Carol and Stacey leap to their feet!

Later, as the Square tries to come to terms with the drama that has unfolded in court, Stacey confronts Jane over the shock evidence she gave at the trial.

It's not long before Martin is drawn into the tense exchange.

Meanwhile, in the Square, Abi hands Lauren a plane ticket. Who is so eager to see the back of Lauren? And will she leave Walford when her family is in such turmoil?

Watch Max's trial reach its sensational climax on EastEnders from Monday, September 28 on BBC1

EastEnders love rat Max Branning does not get off lightly when Phil Mitchell finds out about his affair with Lucy Beale.

Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald) had been keeping her father’s affair with Lucy a secret ever since she was found dead last year.

Max Branning gets a punch in the face from Phil Mitchell in EastEnders (BBC)

But after the police recently arrested Abi’s boyfriend Ben Mitchell, she has come forward with her evidence.

Convinced that Max (Jake Wood) must have killed Lucy and furious that his son has taken the rap for her murder, Phil (Steve McFadden) attacks Max in Albert Square.

Their confrontation screens on EastEnders tonight (July 24) on BBC One.

EastEnders star Jake Wood is leaving the show for a year.

Jake, who plays Max Branning in the BBC soap, will be returning next year.

Max Branning will take a break for a year, but how will he leave? (Ian West/PA Archive)

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant said: “I have been at EastEnders for nine years and I feel the time is right to give Max a break, but it won’t be for too long as I shall be back next year to see Max face another chapter of drama.”

EastEnders' executive producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, said: “When I returned to EastEnders both Jake and I agreed that Max has been through so much over the past nine years that we would give both him and Jake a break when the opportunity arose.

“That opportunity has come and it is the perfect time to send Max Branning out with a bang that will send ripples through the Square for the rest of the year until Jake returns.”

One of Jake’s most memorable storylines involved Max’s affair with his daughter-in-law, Stacey, played by Lacey Turner.

EastEnders has not revealed how Jake’s character will leave the show for his break.

The red carpet’s been dusted off and the champagne’s on ice for the biggest event in the soapland calendar. No, not Norris and Rita’s annual stocktake at The Kabin on Coronation Street… it’s the 2015 British Soap Awards, hosted by Philip Schofield.

There are all the usual trophies, for Best Storyline, Best Newcomer, Scene Of The Year and so on, but what about all those contributions that go uncelebrated? Here are our suggestions for some alternative soap gongs…

Best scene-stealer: Tanya Branning, EastEnders

Jo Joyner’s face after she messed up her lines on live TV (BBC)

Tanya Branning’s return to Albert Square for the live EastEnders episode in February got the nation talking – but not quite for the intended reasons. Poor Jo Joyner slipped up when she referred to Ian Beale as 'Adam' (the name of the actor who plays him), and the shocked look on her face said it all.

Jo later admitted: “People were sending me pictures of my face in shock every day on Twitter. So I’ve seen that image a few million times!”

Most surprising accent: Bethany Platt, Coronation Street

Lucy Fallon plays troublemaking teen Bethany Platt (ITV)

You’d think after spending her formative years in Milan, young Bethany might have a strong Italian accent.

But on her dramatic return to Weatherfield, the teenage tearaway (played by Lucy Fallon), sounded more like Liz McDonald than Sophia Loren. This prompted one Twitter user to comment “I see the schools of Milan teach the kids to have Northern accents”.

Most durable costume: Marlon Dingle, Emmerdale

Marlon Dingle with celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson (ITV)

The Emmerdale stalwart’s chefs whites have seen some sights – he’s scrapped with a copper while wearing them, and got passionate with Rhona in his work gear.

And while Marlon (Mark Charnock) takes his job as a chef very seriously, we’re a bit concerned about food hygiene, given that we’ve never seen him pop his trusty bandana in the wash.

Most impressive marriage survival: Sonya Mitchell and Toadfish Rebecchi, Neighbours

Sonya and Toadie have been through a lot (Channel 5)

Toadfish Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney) hasn’t had much luck when it comes to weddings.

His first marriage to Dee Bliss ended hours later – when he drove their car off a cliff accidentally, his second wedding day saw him leave Steph Scully jilted at the altar, and his latest, to Sonya Mitchell (Eve Morey) in 2013, saw a deadly gas explosion tear through the reception.

Not a great start to a union, but the pair have soldiered on and are still together. Mind you, nothing lasts too long in soapland…

Lifetime services to Neighbourhood Watch: Norris Cole, Coronation Street

Norris Cole (ITV)

If there’s any gossip to be found on the cobbles, then you can be sure Norris (Malcolm Hebden), AKA Rita’s Kabin wingman, knows about it.

So great is his nosiness, that in 2009, the soap released a promo trailer in which he was portrayed as a 007-style spy, using all sorts of gadgets and gizmos to snoop on his Corrie neighbours.

Not only is the bald and bespectacled resident forever eavesdropping, he uses his knowledge to wind people up. He does it to such comedic effect, though, you can’t help but enjoy watching.

Bravery in the face of adverse weather: The cast of Hollyoaks

Hollyoaks cast (Lime Pictures)

Chester isn’t known for its tropical temperatures, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s blessed with an exotic micro-climate after watching an episode of Hollyoaks.

Instead of the woolly coats and warm jumpers that most people would kit themselves out in to brace the year-round chill, this cast of part-time model characters regularly strip down to their bare necessities, leaving very little to viewers’ imaginations.

The unsung hero award: Tracey the barmaid, EastEnders

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXjNklmqOp8&feature=oembed

Poor Tracey the barmaid. When Peggy Mitchell was squawking at love rival Pat Butcher, she was downstairs fetching the barrels. When Den Watts was chatting up women from the bar, our Trace was restocking the pork scratchings.

And when Archie was manipulating Mitchells left, right and centre, she was busy cleaning the pipes and pulling pints. Silent Tracey (played by Jane Slaughter), who joined the soap in 1985, has been slogging away without a sniff of a promotion in years. Let’s give her a moment to shine!

The 'Haven’t I seen her somewhere before?' award: Erica Holroyd, Coronation Street

Claire King (Ian West/PA)

If you thought Corrie’s Erica looked a bit familiar, you’d be right. Coronation Street isn’t the only soap which actress Claire King has appeared in.

She’s best known to Emmerdale fans as villainous Kim Tate, while Hollyoaks aficionados might recall her brief turn as a prison governor back in 2012. And we’ve loved her in all of them.

Most neglected hips: Max Branning, EastEnders

Jake Wood struts his stuff on Strictly (BBC)

We all marvelled at actor Jake Wood’s amazing hip action when he reached the semi-final of Strictly Come Dancing last year. His moves turned out to be hotter than the chip pan in Ian’s caff.

So isn’t it time that Max got a dance-themed storyline on the show? Up until now, he’s been too busy pushing Tanya to the brink, and bedding a long list of beauties. Enough of the brooding, time to get those dancing shoes on and shimmy around Albert Square, Max!

The British Soap Awards takes place on Saturday, May 16, and will be televised on ITV on Thursday, May 21.

Karin Smart is back in Albert Square and she has bad news for Max Branning – the police are onto them and the other local car lots that are selling the stolen motors.

Max knows he has to get rid of them and when Phil Mitchell gets wind of events he uses his knowledge to blackmail Max. If he doesn't sign the Arches back to him, he's going to the police.

He's got Max trapped and he knows it...

Watch the soap scoop preview of this storyline in EastEnders, plus what drives Kat Moon to face her troubled past by returning to the convent where she gave birth to Zoe.

**Warning: This article contains pictures of a near-naked Max Branning!**

It's happened to the best of us – someone knocks on the door while you're in the shower. But having his shower interrupted by an unexpected visitor is the least of Max's problems in EastEnders when he finds Karin Smart (Denise Van Outen) on his doorstep. 

Newly released pictures from an upcoming episode show the ladies’ man fresh out of the shower and wrapped in a towel, as Karin stands in his kitchen with a warning.

Karin (Denise Van Outen) comes back to Walford to speak to Max (Jake Wood) (BBC)

The bearer of bad news, Karin has come back to Walford to tell Max that the police are onto his dodgy business deal involving stolen cars, leaving him with no choice but to turn to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) for help.

But after Max’s recent night of passion with Karin, the widow of Phil’s dodgy car dealer pal, viewers saw her being paid a large sum of money by the Mitchell hard nut, suggesting he had engineered the whole thing.

Whatever evil plan Phil is the puppet master of, will Max stand a chance of getting himself out of the looming sticky situation?

The episode will air on BBC1 on Monday 27 April at 8.00pm.

The fireworks are still going off in Albert Square on New Year’s Day as Emma Summerhayes (Anna Acton) talks to Lucy’s killer.

“Some secrets are horrible…” says Stan (Timothy West), in this chilling preview of EastEnders’ New Year’s Day episode.

But the secret gripping certain residents of Albert Square has nothing to do with the Carters this time… It’s all about Lucy’s murder.

New Year’s Eve showed us that former police officer Emma is still playing detective and has worked out who killed Lucy.

Tonight’s episode shows that Max’s (Jake Wood) New Year starts with a furious fight - with Emma, who’s fighting him off and shouting at him to leave her alone. 

Does she think HE killed Lucy?

Emma sends a text to someone that reads: “I can’t keep the secret”.

Is that going to put Emma in danger?

Ronnie (Samantha Womack) certainly is in trouble. Nasty Nick (John Altman) didn’t take her money and run like she told him to. He seems determined to make an appearance at her wedding.

But there’s a car running out of control in the Square… Will it make Nick really dead? And who’s behind the wheel?

It’s all in the New Year’s Day hour-long EastEnders, BBC1, 8.30pm.

http://youtube.com/v/woa5zGm2hUE

Charlie Cotton's feeling the heat when Summerhayes informs Max that he's no copper in EastEnders next week.

Earlier, Charlie realises Max's intimate connection with the detective, but when he tries to use the information it backfires on him and Emma moves to arrest him for impersonating a police officer!

Worse is to come when it becomes clear his dad, nasty Nick Cotton, is back in the area and tracking him down...

Watch the scoop on this and Ian's continuing attempt to keep Patrick quiet in EastEnders, above.

EastEnders newcomer Anna Acton has admitted the affair between her character DC Emma Summerhayes and Max Branning is so wrong... but it feels so right.

Emma is the family liaison officer investigating Lucy Beale's murder, and she talks to Max (Jake Wood) because of his affair with the teenager before she died. The sparks fly and the pair are destined to have a steamy fling next week.

Anna told Inside Soap magazine: "There's a brilliant chemistry between them and Emma just can't help herself. I think they are just two people who really fancy each other!

"It's completely inappropriate and they both know it's utterly wrong - but sometimes that's what is most compelling. Max is this intriguing character who slept with his daughter's best friend, but Emma is still attracted to him.

"It's her job I'm most concerned about, to be honest. Emma could be in trouble!"

The actress revealed her character's stay in EastEnders will depend on her relationship with Max.

Asked how long she'll be in Albert Square, Anna said: "I wouldn't like to say, as you never know what the producers are thinking.

"I'm not sure how it would work, unless Emma's romance with Max progresses and actually works - but that's not often how things go in soap. We'll just have to wait and see."

EastEnders star Jake Wood says viewers will be questioning Max Branning's motives for getting involved with DC Summerhayes, who's investigating Lucy Beale's murder.

The romance is about to develop in the BBC1 soap and Anna Acton, who plays Summerhayes, told What's on TV at the British Soap Awards: "She could get in a lot of trouble if she's found out, but there's a clear chemistry between them which you sort of notice early on and I think there's a genuine affection between them and I think they're both lost souls, lonely, and they both tap into each other at the right time. But yeah, it's not very smart of her to get involved with Max Branning."

Jake added: "We haven't much on screen of that at the moment... But yeah, obviously Max gets involved with Summerhayes, who's their family liaison officer, played by the lovely Anna Acton, but yeah, it's great, we get to question Max's motives about why he's getting involved with her. But you'll have to wait and see..."

Watch our chat with EastEnders' Jake Wood and Anna Acton:

EastEnders viewers have seen the plot thicken over who Lucy Beale's killer could be with Max Branning revealed as her secret lover.

Hetti Bywater, who plays Lucy, is leaving the BBC soap at Easter, when her character is killed off, but the mystery over whodunnit is set to run until early next year.

Viewers have seen Lucy start a new relationship with a mystery man who she has been texting and meeting up with.

After appearing distracted at her pal Lauren Branning's birthday party, Lucy took the first opportunity to slip away.

In a shock twist, she was seen arriving at a hotel room to meet Lauren's dad Max (Jake Wood) coming out of the shower, who then fell into bed with her.

First look pictures from tonight's episode (April 4) show the unlikely couple together after their night of passion.

The relationship opens up the possibility of Lucy angering Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) who could feel betrayed by her friend, and Max's former lover Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner) who he recently kissed.

The murder mystery storyline is set to run up until EastEnders' 30th anniversary in February next year.

– Press Association

EastEnders' Jake Stone is in for a tough week when Max Branning mistakenly thinks he's got Lauren Branning pregnant.

The misunderstanding is over a positive pregnancy test that Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) has found and Max (Jake Wood) becomes convinced it belongs to his daughter, Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa).

Lauren has been having an affair with married Jake (Jamie Lomas) after they met in rehab for their alcohol addictions, but when Max goes storming round to Jake's and tries to attack him over what he thinks is Lauren's pregnancy, he accidentally reveals the couple's secret to Jake's wife Sadie (Kate Magowan).

Even though Lauren insists she's not pregnant and the test wasn't hers, it leaves Jake with a big mess to sort out with Sadie.

But things are set to get worse when later in the week when Lauren goes to check on Jake and finds him drunk - he bundles her out into his car and tries to accelerate out of Albert Square, but hits a pushchair being wheeled by pregnant Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace).

Jake began drinking after he killed a child in a car accident years earlier, and viewers will be left wondering whether history has repeated itself.

The confrontation between Max and Jake is due to screen tonight on EastEnders.

Ian Beale is understandably petrified as he prepares to go to court and give a false statement against Max Branning in EastEnders next week.

Carl has bullied and threatened Ian into lying that he saw Max tamper with the car that Carl and Phil crashed in. Max could be facing a long stretch in prison, but when Ian is a no-show at court he's freed due to a lack of evidence.

So where did Ian disappear to? An Essex wasteland, bound and gagged in the back of a van!

Get the scoop on EastEnders:

Photos of the big EastEnders storyline

EastEnders star Jake Wood has revealed that he would love to swap places with Steve McFadden.

The 40-year-old actor, who plays salesman Max Branning in the BBC soap, admitted that he wouldn't mind having a go at portraying hardman Phil Mitchell, who co-star Steve plays.

"It would have to be Phil Mitchell. Another iconic character who has always been involved in great storylines," he said in a Twitter chat.

Jake also said that he would like to bring back Leslie Grantham and Anita Dobson to reprise their famous roles as 'Dirty' Den and Angie Watts, if he had the choice.

"They were iconic characters when I was growing up. I remember them the most," he said.

The actor, who joined the show in June 2006, revealed he will miss Jo Joyner - who played his screen wife Tanya Branning - and Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) when they leave.

"I'm closest to Jo Joyner. We've got great chemistry and she's great to work with. I'll miss her as we've been working together for seven years. [Tanya and Max are the] classic couple. Can't live with each other, can't live without each other!" he explained.

"I'll miss Scott's sense of humour and the banter. We get on really well. He's good fun on set," he added.

Jake also admitted that his co-star June Brown (Dot Cotton) keeps his spirits up on set.

"June Brown always makes me laugh. Working with her is the highlight of my  day. She's a legend," he said.

EastEnders' Jake Wood reveals to Soaplife how Max secretly wants Tanya… So he's not in the mood to celebrate when Kirsty tells him she's having his baby!

So, how does Max feel about Kirsty?

"They have a real connection. When they met in Manchester, we decided the only way it would work was if they had this really strong connection that happened really quickly, enough for them to get married. If Tanya hadn’t had the cancer then Max’s life would have continued and they’d have made a go of it."

Instead, he abandoned Kirsty...

"Yes. He dealt with it badly, only phoning Kirsty once, not explaining anything and cutting off all contact. He hoped if he ignored her then the problem would go away and he could get married to Tanya. His feelings for Tanya over-rode any feelings he had for Kirsty."

So is it Kirsty or Tanya that he really loves now?

"If Tanya said she’d have him back he’d go like a shot. Even though he’s living with Kirsty at the B&B, he’s holding out for Tanya."

And all this on his doorstep…

"It’s very awkward, especially with Lauren and Abi giving him a hard time. This isn’t a situation that Max would have wanted, but he feels responsible for Kirsty. He’s trying to make the best of it, but it feels very claustrophobic. Kirsty wants them to move into a place of their own, but Max is stalling, playing for time until he knows what the situation is with Tanya."

What if Tanya met someone else?

"Yeah, well… As we saw when he suspected that Jack was moving in on her, he got very upset very quickly because he’s still deeply in love with Tanya."

And then Sharon tells him Tanya regrets throwing him out...

"This is the first sign that maybe she isn’t coping quite as well as she makes out. It gives him renewed hope that there might be a chance for them."

Until Kirsty announces she is pregnant…

"Yes, the timing couldn’t be worse. Max doesn’t want to discuss it with her. I think he’s trying to work out what he’s going to do. He needs to know more than ever where he really stands with Tanya."

Will he tell Tanya about Kirsty’s pregnancy?

"No! He’s hoping she won’t find out because if she does, it might ruin any chance he has of getting back with her. He’s in a real mess…"

Kirsty talks a reluctant Abi into coming into the house when she drops by with a bill for Max. Lauren is annoyed when an awkward Abi confesses she accidentally agreed to have Max and Kirsty over for dinner. Things are initially tense but Kirsty breaks the ice and the four are soon laughing together - until Tanya walks through the door!

Kat wakes up in Michael's bed, regretting spending the night with him. Michael realises Kat's angry with herself but points out she can't resist creating drama. Meanwhile, Roxy feels hurt when Alfie worries about how Kat is feeling. When Kat picks up Tommy from the Vic, she has another spat with Roxy. Alfie is stung when Kat reveals she spent the night with Michael and says he's a real man unlike him.

Masood checks that his date with Carol is still on, suggesting he give her a cooking lesson and then they can enjoy the meal together. Masood asks AJ and Tamwar to make themselves scarce for the evening. When there's a knock on the door, Tamwar thinks Carol has arrived early but it's not Carol, it's Ayesha. Masood is stunned to see her again.