EastEnders’ Max Branning star inundated with support after emotional tribute to lookalike son Buster on milestone birthday
EastEnders legend Jake Wood has been inundated with warm messages after sharing a heartfelt tribute to his son Buster, who looks remarkably like his famous father.
The 53-year-old actor, best known for playing Max Branning on the BBC One soap, has recently returned to Walford and is already at the centre of dramatic storylines.
Jake’s comeback follows Max’s emotional departure in 2021 after 15 years on the show, which saw the character leave Linda Carter (Kellie Bright). The pair have since reunited, with Max discovering he is the father of Linda’s young daughter, Annie.
On New Year’s Day, Max featured prominently in a gripping flash-forward episode centred on the womaniser’s wedding day, set for January 1, 2027. The storyline has set the scene for what is expected to be a turbulent year ahead in Walford for the businessman and those closest to him.
Away from Albert Square, Jake is a devoted father to his two children, Amber and Buster, whom he shares with his wife Alison, reports OK!.
On Instagram last Saturday (January 31), Jake marked his rarely seen son’s 18th birthday with a touching tribute. He posted a series of photos of Buster from across the years, including a holiday snap, a sweet picture of him having his hair cut, and another of the pair together at Arsenal’s football stadium.
One image shows a young Buster holding his mother’s hand as they walk outdoors. Soap fans were quick to point out the striking resemblance between father and son, with one joking that Buster looks like “a young Max Branning.”
Jake, who plays Max Branning on the soap, wrote alongside the post:
“HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY, BUSTER!!! Everyone loves you so much!!!”
He continued:
“Keep doing what you’re doing, stay true to yourself, and carry on being the thoughtful, funny, caring, talented and incredible young man you’ve grown into — we are so unbelievably proud of you, always.”
Fans and supporters quickly filled the comments with birthday wishes for Buster. Former TOWIE star Dan Osborne also joined in, joking:
“P.S. In that first picture, Buster looks more like you than you look like you! x.”
Another fan wrote: “That first pic is a young Max Branning,” while a third added: “Wow, that first picture is definitely you. Happy birthday, Buster x.”
“Wow, he looks like your twin! Happy birthday,” remarked one follower, as another shared a similar sentiment: “Happy birthday to your little lookalike! xxx.”
One admirer joked: “Wow! No DNA test needed — you’re like copy and paste! x,” while another agreed: “Wow, he’s your clone.”
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