Jake Wood has revealed which of Max Branning’s many lovers was his true love in EastEnders.
The 48-year-old actor is set to depart the BBC One soap opera later this month after almost fifteen years in the role.
During his time on the soap, Max has been a serial womanizer, having been married four times over the years and seduced numerous beautiful women – including his own future daughter-in-law!
Now speaking to Digital Spy, Jake has revealed who exactly he thought was Max Branning’s true love.
He revealed: “I think definitely Tanya. She was the one that he’s been with since they were young.
“She understood him the most I think out of any of them.”
(Image: BBC)
When Max arrived on Albert Square in 2006 he was married to Tanya Cross ( Jo Joyner ), with whom he shared daughters Lauren and Abi and later had son Oscar with.
The pair had a fiery on-off marriage that was complicated by Max’s adulterous affairs and lies, but eventually divorced.
However, they later went on to have another romance and became engaged again before eventually splitting for good when Tanya departed the Square in 2013.
(Image: BBC)
(Image: BBC)
However, there is another person who is probably a close-call for Max’s greatest love.
Jake continued: “Probably the most exciting was Stacey. I think he will always have a connection with Stacey, won’t he?
“I thought they might always get back together. I thought that would be interesting, but that never happened.
“But yeah, looking back, probably Tanya.”
(Image: BBC)
(Image: BBC)
Max memorably cheated on Tanya with his son Bradley’s ex-girlfriend Stacey Slater ( Lacey Turner ), with the affair memorably being exposed on Christmas Day in 2007.
The pair have had a complicated relationship ever since and Stacey even cheated on second husband Martin Fowler with Max in 2017.
Jake also revealed his favourite storylines from playing Max over the years.
(Image: BBC / Kieron McCarron)
(Image: 5621)
He described: “There have been so many moments over the years. Obviously, all the stuff with Jo Joyner when the characters were getting established – that was all great.
“Also, the story with Bradley and Stacey – look back now and it’s kind of iconic, especially, the Christmas episode in 2007.”
He also cited the storyline where Max’s secret wife Kirsty Branning (Kierston Wareing) turned up on the Square on the day of his second wedding to Tanya on Christmas Day 2012, along with Tanya’s burying Max alive as revenge for his cheating in 2008.
(Image: BBC)
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
Jake concluded of his storylines: “Honestly, if I look over 15 years, it’s been a crazy roller coaster ride with that character.”
As Max comes to realise he has no future with his latest lover Linda Carter ( Kellie Bright ), he contemplates whether remaining on Albert Square is right for him.
Rest assured Max fans, the door is being left open for Jake to return in future!
*EastEnders continues on Wednesday at 8pm on BBC One.
Who do you think Max Branning’s true love was in EastEnders? Let us know in the comments below.
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/eastenders-jake-wood-confirms-who-23472242