BBC EastEnders fans are convinced a Walford legend could be returning following Max Branning’s comeback.
EastEnders’ heartthrob Max Branning has barely returned to Walford, yet he’s already sparking speculation that one of his ex-wives might make a dramatic reappearance.
In Wednesday’s episode of the BBC soap (December 17), Max (Jake Wood) kept a vigil at his son Oscar’s (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) hospital bedside after Oscar bravely ran into the burning No. 25 to save Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).
Max quickly tried to repair his relationship with his children, Oscar and Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa), but the discussion soon turned to his granddaughter, Abi Junior, now known as AJ.
Looking a little uncomfortable at Lauren, Max admitted, “I was going to bring AJ, but she’s staying with Tanya just while I’m here.”
Later, Max avoided a call from his ex-wife Tanya (Jo Joyner), sparking a tense exchange with Lauren over AJ’s living arrangements, reports OK!.
Max tried to reassure his daughter casually: “I’m back now, I’m going to be there for all of you,” only for her to fire back: “Like you’ve been there for AJ?”
Lauren added, “I know she hasn’t been living with your dad, because unlike you, I actually speak to Mum. So you can drop all this redemption arc stuff.”
With Max admitting he’s reluctant to reach out to Tanya while remaining tight-lipped about why AJ isn’t in his care, EastEnders fans are convinced Tanya will soon arrive in Walford looking for Max.
Tanya first made her dramatic entrance into Albert Square in 2006, arriving with her family—Max, Lauren, and Abi (Lorna Fitzgerald).
The Brannings quickly became fan favourites, featuring in some of EastEnders’ most memorable storylines, including Max’s explosive affair with Stacey (Lacey Turner), which reached a shocking climax on Christmas Day.
Although Tanya has been absent from the show since 2018, fans are still eager to see when she might return.
One viewer took to social media, confidently posting: “TANYA DEFFO RETURNING, I CAN FEEL IT #EastEnders.”
Another fan asked: “So, they’re bringing Tanya back? #EastEnders,” while a third joined the conversation, adding: “Desperately need a Tanya return #EastEnders.”
One viewer expressed their hope that the show’s producers would do whatever it takes to bring Jo Joyner back to Albert Square. They wrote: “Need Ben Wadey to do whatever is necessary to get Jo Joyner back to Albert Square. The Brannings are back, and Tanya is the key player missing. Let her run Fox and Hair with Denise #EastEnders.”
Another speculated on potential plot twists that could lead to Tanya’s return: “I think Tanya will show up at some point. My guess is something must have happened for Max to have joint custody of his grandchild or for him to avoid Tanya’s calls. Or something is happening that explains why Tanya is trying to contact Max. #EastEnders”
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