JAKE Wood has broken his silence about returning to EastEnders.
The Sun exclusively revealed how the actor will make a shock return later this year as the chaotic loverat Max Branning.
The Brannings are being rebuilt as a family on Albert Square[/caption]
And now actor Jake has confirmed the news and revealed when he will be seen back on screen.
Max will return briefly later this autumn just four years after leaving the show, while his permeant return scheduled for later in the year.
Jake said: “I’m over the moon to be coming home to Walford.
“Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy.
“I’m excited to see what he’s been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.”
New EastEnders Executive Producer, Ben Wadey added: “I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning.
“Whilst his character has only been away from Albert Square for four years, Walford, and the lives of those who live in it, have changed immensely.
“Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen.
“However, with a past as checkered as Max’s, it’s fair to say that many Walford residents will not be pleased to see him, putting the Brannings back at the heart of the Square, and the drama, this year.”
The BBC soap is also welcoming back Max’s son Oscar, with Pierre Moullier taking over the role.
A source told The Sun earlier this year: “It is an exceptional bout of casting – Pierre looks more like a younger Jake than Jake did himself. It’s uncanny.
“He’s going to bring something new to Oscar and the character will definitely set the cat amongst the pigeons in the Square.”
