He's back! EastEnders drops shock bombshell as Max returns - but what is his link to Zoe?

News
By published

Max Branning is back on our screens, but how does he know Zoe Slater?

Max Branning on the phone while sitting on a bed wearing a navy shirt
(Image credit: BBC)

It's the EastEnders comeback we have all been waiting for, but finally, Max Branning is back on our screens.

The shock return came at the end of tonight's episode (Wednesday, September 3) when Kat answered Zoe's phone while her daughter was fighting for her life in the hospital.

While we all knew Jake Wood would be reprising his role as legendary Max, we didn't know exactly when he would be making his comeback; however, fans thought there might be something huge happening in tonight's episode when it didn't land on BBC iPlayer this morning.

The episode opened with Zoe getting shot after Jack and Ravi fought with a gun in the Square. At the end of Tuesday's episode, the pair looked horrified as the shot rang out, only for the credits to roll, and it was only today's episode that revealed it was Zoe who had been caught in the crossfire.

The drama continued as panic set out across Walford, with everyone worried there was a gunman on the loose. Zoe was rushed to hospital and straight into theatre, but not before flashbacks revealed what she has been up to since we last saw her on the Square.

But it wasn't until the very end of the episode that we saw Max calling Zoe's phone.

Zoe looking scared as she looks at Kat, who is off camera, while standing in Albert Square at night

Zoe was shot by Jack during an argument with Kat. (Image credit: BBC)

After finding out Zoe was caught up in trouble, Kat was left scared that Zoe was running from someone who was determined to harm her, and so when Zoe’s phone rang, Kat picked up, wanting answers.

However, with Max staying silent, Kat was unaware of who was on the phone - oblivious that it was someone she knows.

But how does Max know Zoe, and what is their connection? Is Max after Zoe for money? Or do they have a much friendlier relationship?

Luckily, we don't have to wait long to find out, because all will be revealed when EastEnders continues on Thursday on BBC iPlayer at 6 am and BBC One at 7.30 pm.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm. Episodes are also released on BBC iPlayer at 6am on the morning they are broadcast.

All the latest episodes are also available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Claire Crick
Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off. 


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

News
Stay updated by following
What to Watch