Jake Wood’s character is to be at the centre of things in a historic episode of the BBC soapMax Branning welcomed 2026 on his own on EastEnders(Image: BBC)

EastEnders fans are claiming that they’re ‘worked out’ what the clues surrounding Max Branning clues mean for the character following a New Year’s Eve twist on the BBC soap.

It’s widely reported that EastEnders will kick-start its year with a historic episode which takes place in 2027. The first-ever flashforward episode will delve into where Jake Wood’s character, who made his permanent return earlier in the month, is one year from now.

Sadly for Max, he has been making countless mistakes as he tries to mend bridges with his family. On Christmas Day he caused chaos by sleeping with Cindy Beale, not knowing she was the woman whose son he inadvertently caused to die in the past.

On Tuesday (December 30), those gathered at baby Jimmy’s christening were stunned when Max and Cindy pieced together each other’s identities. Things got so heated that Max gave his daughter Lauren’s husband, Peter Beale, a punch in the nose.

In true Max Branning fashion, he made the situation ten times worse at the end of the episode when he tried to kiss Linda Carter after she offered him some words of wisdom. Max and Linda are currently trying to figure out what to do now that he knows her child Annie Carter is his.

In scenes aired on Wednesday (December 31), Max found himself alone as his family and friends turned their back on him following his behaviour at Christmas and Jimmy’s christening. Wanting to right his wrongs, Max asked Oscar for help to set up a secret meeting with Lauren in The Vic.

Max Branning is set to be at the centre of a flashforward episode on EastEnders(Image: BBC)

The meeting got off to a good start as Max began to explain his actions. However, just when it appeared that Lauren and Oscar were about to forgive their dad, Elaine Peacock revealed that Max tried to seduce Linda for all to hear, and the pair ordered Max out of their lives for good.

After debating whether or not to take Ian Beale’s money and leave Walford, Max made his way to Harry’s Barn and vowed to fight for his family, but just what is in store for Max in the year of 2026?

During the New Year’s countdown, viewers were treated to brief glimpses of what tomorrow’s episode entails. These flashes included an ultrasound, the hood of a car, and a gun being pointed towards the camera.

EastEnders fans rushed to the soap’s Reddit page following the episode to have their say on just what the clues mean and to share their theories about what’s coming up.

@Old-Relationship3270 said: “The ultrasound could be anything. Max could be taking someone to an appointment, be with one of his friends or family when it happens or actually be his kid.” @Annie-2006 added: “I really hope Cindy and Max don’t get together, he killed her eldest son and I can’t see her ever truly being able to forgive him for that. Ideally tomorrow’s episode ends with the reveal that Tanya is his bride because she is desperately needed right now!”

@No_Witness9533 wrote: “The way the dialogue was written in Lauren and Peter’s scenes (‘we only get one shot’… and all the lovey conversation about Peter being the best husband) could suggest something might happen with their marriage (let’s face it, that’s always likely), or to Peter, or even to Louie. I hope not the latter, Max being responsible for something happening to one of Lauren’s kids would make him completely irredeemable to her. Hopefully a total red herring.”

@eastenderse commented: “Obviously the others were an ultrasound and a gun. I’m really excited to see where 2026 is going to go with Max, though it’s going to be frustrating having to wait so long to see the events of the flashforward, much like february-december 2023.” @SaintedHooker noted: “Looks like the beginning of the end for max, for better or worse an all time EastEnders character.”