Iconic EastEnders couple must return for soap's 40th anniversary, say fans

Max and Tanya Branning (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)

EastEnders fans have called for the revival of a popular couple ahead of the long-standing BBC One soap's 40th celebration.

Recently, we've seen an influx of familiar faces returning to EastEnders, stirring fans' hopes that BBC executives might have even more reprieves in store. It's sealed that Chrissie Watts and David Wicks will be ambling back to Albert Square later this year whilst Jane Beale made an unexpected entry into recent episodes, succeeding Cindy Beale's dramatic reappearance from 'the dead' last year.

The couple fans are really clamouring to see appear on their screens once again is none other than legendary duo Max and Tanya Branning. The pair were introduced alongside their two daughters, Lauren and Abi, back in 2006.

Max, played by Jake Wood, departed Walford in February 2021, whereas, Tanya (Jo Joyner) absconded in 2013 and has graced us with sporadic sole appearances since her exit.

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On Reddit, one viewer stated: "For the 40th. BRING THEM BACK DAMMIT! I ain't hearing anything else. Husband and Wife. Max and Tanya Branning. My all time favourite soap opera couple EVER! If not the 40th then in near future after the 40th. Either way, BRING THESE GOATS BACK!" reports the Daily Star.

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One more soap fan posted on Twitter: "No way @bbceastenders can have a 40th anniversary and not include the return of this man Max Branning. With Lauren back and Linda having his child, we need to see the return of Jake Wood. Make it happen," fanning the flames of speculation around potential upcoming storylines.

One watcher demanded: "Bring back Max Branning you cowards! " while another chimed in: "I actually wouldn't be surprised if Max comes back too."

Max and Tanya still have strong ties to Albert Square, and a comeback for EastEnders' 40th anniversary - set for February 19, 2025 - seems plausible. Max has numerous reasons to return to Walford.

His eldest daughter with Tanya, Lauren (played by Jacqueline Jossa), is now residing in Albert Square with her son Louis, having moved back with cousin Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) earlier this year. Max's brother Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) also continues to live in Walford along with his kids, Amy and Ricky.

In addition, there's the crucial detail of Linda Carter's (Kellie Bright) child fathered by Max prior to his last departure from Albert Square. While Linda gave birth to daughter Annie in September 2021, Max remains unaware of his paternity.

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Iconic EastEnders couple must return for soap's 40th anniversary, say fans

Iconic EastEnders couple must return for soap's 40th anniversary, say fans

Iconic EastEnders couple must return for soap's 40th anniversary, say fans

Iconic EastEnders couple must return for soap's 40th anniversary, say fans

Iconic EastEnders couple must return for soap's 40th anniversary, say fans