EastEnders fans think they’ve worked out who Max Branning marries in the flash-forward – and it’s not who you expect
EastEnders’ infamous womaniser Max Branning, played by Jake Wood, is preparing to tie the knot for the fifth time, and fans believe they’ve already worked out who his future bride will be.
Max recently returned to Walford and is set to walk down the aisle once again on New Year’s Day 2027. In a bold flash-forward episode of the long-running BBC One soap, airing on New Year’s Day, the storyline jumps a year into the future to focus on Max’s wedding day, giving viewers a glimpse into his dramatic fate.
A newly released image shows Max dressed in a suit with a white flower and visible blood stains, hinting that the notorious rogue is heading for yet another turbulent trip to the altar.
Max has previously walked down the aisle with Rachel Branning, the mother of his eldest son Bradley, and later with Tanya, who shares children Lauren, Abi and Oscar with him, reports OK!.
His third bid for happiness came in the form of a secret marriage to Kirsty in 2012, which was only revealed afterwards, before he later entered into a marriage of convenience with Rainie Cross.
In Tuesday’s episode of the BBC One soap (December 30), now streaming on BBC iPlayer, Max caused a stir when he showed up uninvited at Jimmy Beale’s christening.
Inside the church, tensions were high as Max came face-to-face with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) following their Christmas Day fling.
Cindy was livid when she discovered that her secret lover was actually Max, especially given his role in the death of her son Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell) and his affair with her late daughter Lucy (Hetti Bywater).
A heated showdown soon followed, with Peter Beale (Thomas Law) throwing the first punch at Max, who struck back, leaving his son-in-law with a bloodied nose.
Later in the episode, Max headed to Harry’s Barn, where he crossed paths with Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), and the pair appeared to share an instant spark.
Even after Max learned he had fathered Annie Carter during his brief relationship with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), along with his one-night stand with Cindy, many EastEnders viewers are convinced he will end up marrying Nicola.
Taking to X, one viewer wrote: “Max Branning and Nicola Mitchell together is delicious — this is exactly the energy we need heading into 2026. #EastEnders.”
Another posted: “Max meeting Nicola in Harry’s Barn with Amy Winehouse’s Love Is a Losing Game playing in the background… is this a sign of what’s coming? Could the much-hyped EastEnders flash-forward end with Max marrying Nicola? Dear God, please no! Yikes! #EastEnders.”
A third commented: “So now Max is making a move on Nicola? #EastEnders,” while another simply added: “Max and Nicola — OMG! #EastEnders.”
One fan shared their concern, writing: “This is how I’m feeling knowing Max could turn out to be the father of Nicola’s unborn baby. #EastEnders,” as another echoed: “Max and Nicola. #EastEnders.”
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