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Former EastEnders star James Bye lands major new role
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Former EastEnders star James Bye lands major new role

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Nine months after his character Martin Fowler was killed off in the 40th anniversary live episode of EastEnders, James Bye has officially landed a major new role, joining the cast of hit stage show 2:22 A Ghost Story.

Bye will be playing Sam in the show’s new UK tour in 2026, alongside Hollyoaks, The Bill and Footballers’ Wives star Gary Lucy, who has been cast as Ben. Lucy also had a role in EastEnders, playing Danny Pennant between 2012 and 2014.

The news of Bye and Lucy’s casting was announced on 2:22 A Ghost Story’s Instagram account, alongside the news that Shvorne Marks will be reprising her role as Jenny, having played the character opposite Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, while Natalie Casey will be playing Lauren.

The play, written by Uncanny’s Danny Robins, has been running since 2021, with other stars who have featured across various productions including Lily Allen, Stephanie Beatriz, Mandip Gill, Cheryl, Louisa Lytton, Jake Wood, James Buckley and Tom Felton.

The synopsis for the play reads as follows: “Jenny believes her new home is haunted, but her husband Sam isn’t having any of it. They argue with their first dinner guests, old friend Lauren and new partner Ben.

“Can the dead really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, but something feels strange and frightening, and that something is getting closer, so they’re going to stay up… until 2:22… and then they’ll know.”

This is the second stage show that Bye will have starred in since finishing his time on EastEnders. This year, he has also been starring in a new production of Death Comes to Pemberley.

When his role in that show was announced, Bye said of playing Mr Darcy: “I am leaving EastEnders on an absolute high after the explosive live 40th anniversary episode.

“After a decade of gritty storylines, it’s going to be quite a switch to put on period clothes as one of literature’s romantic leading men, but I can’t wait for this new chapter to begin.”

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app– download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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EastEnders' Zoe suffers setback in search for son as Sharon deals big blow
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EastEnders’ Zoe suffers setback in search for son as Sharon deals big blow

by jummy84
written by jummy84

She may be on the other side of the world in Florida, but Sharon Watts’s (Letitia Dean) decisions have left Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) with another cause for concern in EastEnders.

Last week it was revealed that Sharon was taking a trip to the States to see her old pal Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully), devastated that Zoe had lied about the father of her twins who were born in 2006.

As viewers will recall, Zo’ claimed that she’d conceived the children with Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman) – Sharon’s adoptive brother turned hubby – two decades ago. She quickly fled the hospital after giving birth and didn’t wait to learn the fate of her daughter, who wasn’t breathing.

She later took handouts from Max Branning (Jake Wood) to find her missing son, but when they fell out, told the fib to Sharon in the hope she would cough up the cash.

Sharon was desperate to have some form of connection to Dennis again, and hired a private investigator to work on the case.

However, in today’s episode, they had some bad news.

Zoe was still recovering from an eventful Halloween, where she was left fearing for her life, trapped in the Queen Vic barrel store after hearing a disturbance. We’re still none the wiser as to whether she imagined the ordeal or whether there was actually someone in there, but whatever happened, it was still enough to seriously spook her.

To make matters worse, her cat has now gone missing and she believes this is just another vile act from her tormenter.

Sharon delivered some news via the private investigator. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Amid the worry, the PI summoned her to the caff, as they had an update on the case. They revealed that Sharon had withdrawn funding and the case was considered closed.

A mortified Zoe begged her to reconsider, hoping that she’d be able to give her some tidbits of information that would lead her on the right path to locate her child. Unfortunately, the PI wanted another £3k before they divulged.

Mum Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) wanted to help but couldn’t justify selling one of her business assets, while step-dad Alfie (Shane Richie) wondered whether to trust her claims that she was being targeted.

Could Zoe be making it up to gain sympathy?

Read more:

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app– download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

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Marlow Murder Club season 3 first look sees EastEnders star join cast
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Marlow Murder Club season 3 first look sees EastEnders star join cast

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Samantha Bond, Jo Martin, Cara Horgan and Natalie Dew will all reprise their roles and welcome a host of guest stars, some of whom have featured in the likes of EastEnders, Doctor Who and Happy Valley.

Episodes one and two, which were co-written by Daniel Rusteau and Robert Thorogood, star Nigel Harman (EastEnders), Peter Davison (Doctor Who), Jacqueline Boatswain (After the Flood), Sarah Alexander (Art Detectives), Tony Gardner (Last Tango in Halifax) and Jason Merrells (Happy Valley).

Peter Davison as Geoffrey in The Marlow Murder Club season 3. UKTV/Robbie Gray

Meanwhile, episodes three and four, written by Amy Reith, will feature comedy legend Harry Enfield (Miss Marple – The Moving Finger). The final two episodes, penned by Julia Gilbert, will star Cherie Lunghi (Strike), Adrian Lukis (SAS Rogue Heroes) and Alastair Mackenzie (The Crown).

Season 3 follows Judith, Suzie and Becks now members of an established part of newly promoted DI Tanika Malik’s crime solving gang and they are bringing their unconventional methods to a string of high-profile murders.

Jacqueline Boatswain as Debbie in The Marlow Murder Club season 3 sat down at a desk looking ahead.

Jacqueline Boatswain as Debbie in The Marlow Murder Club season 3. UKTV/Robbie Gray

The synopsis teases: “From the sudden death of the town’s beloved mayor – the nicest man in Marlow – to a celebrity chef found dead at the launch of his cookbook with half the town in attendance, the team will be working under the watchful eye of the Marlow community. They’ll also be called to action at a university reunion in an eerie manor house where in a surprising twist, Becks finds herself amongst the suspects. Could this case threaten our amateur sleuths’ roles as civilian advisors?”

Season 3 was announced earlier this year, with Claire Hookway, commissioning executive for UKTV, commenting: “Following the huge success of the first two series, we’re thrilled to return with another instalment where Judith, Suzie, Becks, and our police team are faced with three puzzling new mysteries to solve.

“We’re excited to treat the audience to more joyous fun in the beautiful town of Marlow, with many surprises and clever twists in store.”

The Marlow Murder Club returns to U and U&DRAMA in 2026. Stream all episodes of the previous series for free on U.

Add The Marlow Murder Club to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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EastEnders cast 2025 | Who is arriving, leaving and returning?
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EastEnders cast 2025 | Who is arriving, leaving and returning?

by jummy84
written by jummy84

RadioTimes.com is here with a handy update on which characters are leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders in the coming months.

So who’s in? Who’s out? And which rumours are true? Read on for all the latest details on cast changes for EastEnders.

EastEnders cast 2025

The full present regular cast for EastEnders can be found below in order of the character’s first appearance.

  • Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Cotton
  • Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts
  • Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale
  • Alice Haig as Vicki Fowler
  • Michelle Collins as Cindy Beale
  • Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell
  • Paul Bradley as Nigel Bates
  • Thomas Law as Peter Beale
  • Karen Henthorn as Julie Bates
  • Perry Fenwick as Billy Mitchell
  • Laila Morse as Mo Harris
  • Jessie Wallace as Kat Moon
  • Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater
  • Nicholas Bailey as Dr. Anthony Trueman
  • Rudolph Walker as Patrick Trueman
  • Shane Ritchie as Alfie Moon
  • Angela Wynter as Yolande Trueman
  • Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater
  • Bobby Brazier as Freddie Slater
  • Gillian Wright as Jean Slater
  • Emma Barton as Honey Mitchell
  • Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox
  • Diane Parish as Denise Fox
  • Grace as Janet Mitchell
  • Jake Wood as Max Branning
  • Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning
  • Scott Maslen as Jack Branning
  • Freddie Phillips as Will Mitchell
  • Pierre Moullier as Oscar Branning
  • Kitty Castledine as Penny Branning
  • Ellie Dadd as Amy Mitchell
  • Tameka Empson as Kim Fox
  • Lillia Turner as Lily Slater
  • Frankie Day as Ricky Branning
  • Sonny Kendall as Tommy Moon
  • Isabella Brown as Lexi Pearce
  • Kellie Bright as Linda Carter
  • Charlie Suff as Johnny Carter
  • Harriet Thorpe as Elaine Knight
  • Elliot Briffett as Bert Moon
  • Cody Briffett as Ernie Moon
  • Arayah Harris-Buckles as Pearl Fox
  • Harry Farr as Ollie Carter
  • Jake McNally as Louie Beale
  • Rocco Brenner as Arthur Fowler
  • Michael Jose Pomares Calixte as Raymond Fox
  • Isabelle Smith as Hope Fowler
  • Tony Clay as Callum Highway
  • Shiv Jalota as Vinny Panesar
  • Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar-Unwin
  • James Farrar as Zack Hudson
  • Ross Boatman as Harvey Monroe
  • Delroy Atkinson as Howie Danes
  • Heather Peace as Eve Panesar-Unwin
  • Aaron Thiara as Ravi Gulati
  • Jaden Ladega as Denzel Danes
  • Juhaim Rasul Choudhury as Davinder “Nugget” Gulati
  • Colin Salmon as George Knight
  • Francesca Henry as Gina Knight
  • Molly Rainford as Anna Knight
  • Sophie Khan Levy as Priya Nandra-Hart
  • Aaliyah James as Avani Nandra-Hart
  • Micah Balfour as Junior Knight
  • Roland Manookian as Teddy Mitchell
  • Elijah Holloway as Harry Mitchell
  • Lewis Bridgeman as Barney Mitchell
  • Dayo Koleosho as Kojo Asare
  • Laura Doddington as Nicola Mitchell
  • Alex Walkinshaw as Ross Marshall
  • Max Murray as Joel Marshall
  • Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu as Tobias “Okie” Okyere

And here are the changes to the cast coming soon…

DEPARTING

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner)

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) will be taking time out from Walford. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

When is Stacey Slater leaving? 2025.

Lacey Turner has been confirmed to be leaving EastEnders later this year.

The fan-favourite actress is set to take a break from the soap this year to focus on life outside the show, having made her debut as Stacey Slater in 2004.

Lacey told The Sun: “It’s time for myself and Stacey to take a rest and who knows what Stacey will get up to in her time away? Knowing Stacey, it will never be boring.”

However, fans can expect Stacey to return…

An EastEnders spokeswoman told the paper: “We can confirm that Lacey will be off-screen later this year, but there is plenty of more drama to come beforehand and we will look forward to planning Stacey’s return when Lacey decides the time is right.”

RadioTimes.com has reached out to the BBC for additional comment on this story.

How will Stacey wave goodbye to Walford?

Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier)

Bobby Brazier as Freddie Slater

Bobby Brazier as Freddie Slater. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

When is Freddie Slater leaving? 2025.

Actor Bobby Brazier has quit his role as Freddie Slater after three years on the soap.

Brazier’s departure was first reported in The Sun, with an EastEnders spokesperson confirming the news.

They told the publication: “We can confirm that Bobby Brazier will be leaving EastEnders, and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Since he started on the soap, Brazier’s storylines have included Freddie’s ADHD diagnosis, an upsetting reunion with his biological father Graham Foster, and almost killing Stacey’s stalker Theo Hawthorne when defending his cousin.

Anna Knight (Molly Rainford)

Molly Rainford as Anna Knight in a white coat in a crowd looking to her right in EastEnders.

Will Anna Knight (Molly Rainfrod) get a happy ending? BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

When is Anna Knight leaving? 2025.

Despite having been absent in Walford of late, Anna Knight will be back in the soap soon – but not for long.

The BBC One soap has confirmed that Molly Rainford will be leaving the role of Anna as the character leaves Walford later this year.

“We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future,” the BBC told RadioTimes.com in a statement.

We have no further details on her exit, but given that Freddie is also off soon, could the pair romantically reconcile and leave together?

Who is joining EastEnders?

At present, no new cast members have been confirmed or reported for EastEnders.

RETURNING

Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ)

Ricky Champ as Stuart Highway in a suit without a tie for EastEnders.

Ricky Champ is back as Stuart Highway after 3 years away. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

When is Stuart Highway returning? Autumn 2025.

It has now been confirmed that Ricky Champ will reprise his role as Stuart Highway for a short stint in the Autumn.

The character was written out of the soap in 2022 as Stuart left Walford for a new life with wife Rainie and their baby away from the Square.

Now Stuart will return to join his younger brother Callum and say goodbye to his nasty father, Jonno Highway.

Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden)

Max Bowden as Ben Mitchell with facial hair and in a suit with black tie for EastEnders.

Max Bowden reprises his role as Ben Mitchell as the character is on day release. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

When is Ben Mitchell returning? Autumn 2025.

Max Bowden is reprising his role as Ben Mitchell for a guest stint in EastEnders later this year, it has been confirmed.

The character was seen exiting the BBC One soap in early 2024 after the decision was made to write him out.

Previously, The Sun reported that new executive producer Ben Wadey has decided to bring Bowden back for a short stint, with the possibility that it could lead to a permanent return.

A source told the paper: “Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It’s taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.”

Ben Mitchell is currently in prison for credit card fraud in the US, but his husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay), daughter Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), dad Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), and mum Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) all remain in Walford.

Of course, a complication has arisen in Ben’s absence: namely, husband Callum’s affair with their friend Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff).

Now, Ben returns on release to support Callum at the funeral of father-in-law Jonno Highway – will Ben return to the US with his marriage in tatters?

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2025?

Matthew James Morrison as Felix Baker and Clair Norris as Bernadette Taylor sitting at a table in the cafe, with his hand on hers.

Matthew James Morrison as Felix Baker and Clair Norris as Bernadette Taylor. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

The following character departed EastEnders in 2025.

  • Nish Panesar
  • Julie Bates (guest, voice cameo)
  • Mr Lister (guest)
  • Councillor Donald Barker (guest)
  • Garry Hobbs (guest)
  • Minty Peterson (guest)
  • Peggy Mitchell (guest)
  • Eric Mitchell (guest)
  • Angie Watts (guest, cameo)
  • Reiss Colwell
  • Martin Fowler
  • Grant Mitchell (guest)
  • Brenda Collins (guest)
  • Gaz (guest)
  • Andy (guest)
  • Ruby Allen
  • Roman Allen
  • Tom “Rocky” Cotton (guest)
  • Terry Cant (guest)
  • Bex Fowler (guest)
  • Julia Fowler
  • Bianca Jackson
  • Sonia Fowler
  • Felix Baker
  • Bernadette Taylor
  • Jay Brown

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2024?

Laurie Brett as Jane and Clay Milner Russell as Bobby in EastEnders

Jane Beale (Laurie Brett, left) returned for the exit storyline of Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell, right). BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

The following characters have departed EastEnders in 2024.

  • Ashton (Guest)
  • Harold Martin (Guest)
  • Sam Mitchell
  • Keanu Taylor (Guest, hallucination)
  • Lucas Johnson (Guest)
  • Ben Mitchell
  • Gloria Knight (Guest)
  • Eddie Knight (Guest)
  • Keeley Wainwright (Guest)
  • Britney Wainwright
  • Dolly Dean-Hudson
  • Whitney Dean
  • Monique Knight (Guest)
  • Xavier Knight (Guest)
  • Karen Taylor (Guest)
  • Stevie Mitchell
  • Debbie Colwell (Guest)
  • Ayesha Siddhu (Guest)
  • Dean Wicks
  • Chrissie Watts (Guest)
  • Jake Moon (Guest)
  • Jane Beale (Guest)
  • Bobby Beale
  • Pastor Gideon Clayton
  • Lola Pearce-Brown (Guest)
  • Joe Wicks (Guest)
  • Holly (Guest)
  • David Wicks (Guest)
  • Micky Miller (Guest)
  • Nancy Carter (Guest, fantasy)
  • Lee Carter (Guest, fantasy)

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2023?

Brian Conley as Tom "Rocky" Cotton in EastEnders.

Brian Conley as Tom “Rocky” Cotton in EastEnders. BBC

The following characters have departed EastEnders in 2023.

  • DCI Samantha Keeble (Guest)
  • Ricky Butcher (Guest)
  • Scarlett Butcher
  • Edward “Jed” Chadwick (Guest)
  • Ryan Malloy (Guest)
  • Dr Ash Kaur
  • Vi Highway
  • Shifty Shiv (Guest)
  • Roxy Mitchell (Guest)
  • Duncan Boyd (Guest)
  • Lola Pearce-Brown
  • Lauren Branning (Guest)
  • Louie Beale (Guest)
  • Finlay Baker
  • Jo Cotton (Guest)
  • Peggy Taylor (Guest)
  • Lisa Fowler (Guest)
  • Arthur “Fatboy” Chubb (Guest)
  • Graham Foster (Guest)
  • Dorian Gates (Guest)
  • Nadine Keller (Guest)
  • Theo Hawthorne
  • Karen Taylor
  • Mitch Baker
  • Bailey Baker
  • Mia Atkins
  • Mackenzie Atkins
  • Keanu Taylor
  • Tom “Rocky” Cotton

Which characters departed EastEnders in 2022?

Danny Dyer as Mick Carter and Charlie Brooks as Janine Carter in EastEnders.

Danny Dyer as Mick Carter and Charlie Brooks as Janine Carter in EastEnders. BBC

The following characters departed EastEnders in 2022.

  • Iqra Ahmed
  • Mila Marwa
  • Kioni Marwa
  • Gray Atkins
  • Keegan Baker
  • Tiffany Butcher
  • Isaac Baptiste
  • Aaron Monroe
  • Nancy Carter
  • Avery Baker
  • Rainie Highway
  • Roland Highway
  • Stuart Highway
  • Dana Monroe
  • Frankie Lewis
  • Dr Nina Gupta
  • Kheerat Panesar
  • Lofty Holloway (Guest)
  • Mary Smith (Guest)
  • Disa O’Brien (Guest)
  • Ian Beale (Guest)
  • Colin Russell (Guest)
  • Barry Clark (Guest)
  • Kirsty “Dotty” Cotton
  • Jada Lennox
  • Alyssa Lennox
  • Mick Carter
  • Janine Carter
  • Shirley Carter

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

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EastEnders boss Ben Wadey praises Phil and Nigel's "beautiful" bond
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EastEnders boss Ben Wadey praises Phil and Nigel’s “beautiful” bond

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Phil has had his own mental health struggles this year, as he has been dealing with depression and attempted to take his own life in February, while viewers have seen his bond with Nigel help him hugely on his journey of recovery.

Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com at the NTAs, Wadey was asked what’s in store for the duo in the future, to which he responded: “I mean, there’s so much for us to explore there.

“It’s a beautiful friendship, and Steve and Paul play it so brilliantly. And I think the audience and myself as a fan just invest in watching those two.”

He added: “And it’s a tragic story of watching your friend slowly, you know, disappear from you. And I think a lot of our audience relate to that. And when you have amazing performances and amazing scripts, the audience just really engage in the kind of story that we’re telling.”

Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell and Paul Bradley as Nigel Bates in EastEnders. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Steve McFadden added: “Me and Paul love each other to bits as well, because we’re very good mates. We’re very fond of each other. That helps.”

Meanwhile, McFadden said depicting Phil’s mental health storyline had been an “honour”.

He said: “In all honesty, I just get the script and I just do the best I can with it, whatever story I get given. But this particular story obviously touches a lot of people. Those people that haven’t got a voice, those people that people don’t listen to, and to be given such an important storyline was an honour for me.”

He added: “I’m very happy that it landed as well as it did, because it obviously touched people and had a massive effect, which I’m chuffed to bits about.”

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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EastEnders responds to calls for Jo Joyner return as Tanya Cross
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EastEnders responds to calls for Jo Joyner return as Tanya Cross

by jummy84
written by jummy84

However, one person who remains absent but is often mentioned is Max’s ex-wife and the mother of Lauren and Oscar, Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner).

Originally appearing as a regular character from 2006 to 2013, Tanya was last seen struggling outside the funeral of her and Max’s youngest daughter, Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald), during a guest appearance in 2018.

Tanya has been mentioned recently as she’s washed her hands of troubled son Oscar, while Max revealed in flashbacks to Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) that their granddaughter Abi Branning Jr. is staying with her now.

Of course, Joyner remains a very busy actress and is often on our screens, but could we dare to hope for a return for the beloved Tanya?

” alt=”A promo image in front of the Walford East tube station set consisting of smiling, from left to right, Pierre Moullier, Jacqueline Jossa, Ben Wadey, Jake Wood, and Scott Maslen for EastEnders.” classes=””] ” alt=”A promo image in front of the Walford East tube station set consisting of smiling, from left to right, Pierre Moullier, Jacqueline Jossa, Ben Wadey, Jake Wood, and Scott Maslen for EastEnders.” classes=””] Executive producer Ben Wadey (centre) stands between the Branning family, consisting of Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier, far left), Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa, second from left), Max Branning (Jake Wood, second from right), and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen, far right). BBC Pictures/Jack Barnes

Speaking at a press event on the set of the soap, executive producer Ben Wadey remained full of praise for Joyner but did note there was already an embarrassment of riches in the cast.

Responding to my question on a potential Tanya return, Wadey laughed: “We’ve just given you Max and Zoe!”

He did continue: “Yeah, I mean, Jo’s amazing, isn’t she? We’ve also got an amazing cast with brilliant performances that deserve and need stories…”

Jake Wood as Max Branning and Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater standing in a bar talking to each other, Max is holding a drink, for EastEnders.

Max already has a complicated romance with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Actor Scott Maslen then humorously interjected: “We need a bit of naughty Max first, don’t we? Yeah, we need him back for a while and let her come and sort him out.”

So, we’re not letting our hope of a Tanya comeback die just yet!

There’s certainly enough drama on the way for Walford in the meantime…

Read more:

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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EastEnders' Jake Wood breaks silence on Max and Zoe affair and reveals "chaos" for Walford return
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EastEnders’ Jake Wood breaks silence on Max and Zoe affair and reveals “chaos” for Walford return

by jummy84
written by jummy84

In addition to the history that Max has with the Slater clan, he also becomes privy to Zoe’s secrets surrounding her twins, whom she gave birth to in 2006 and also that she may have killed a man during her quest to find her surviving son.

In the present day, a recent shot Zoe called Max to warn him not to return to Walford, but he didn’t sound so keen…

Speaking to the press on the set of Walford, actor Jake Wood revealed what it was like to finally be back as Max Branning, having left the soap in 2021.

On the twist of Max and Zoe’s connection, Wood revealed he was “excited”, adding: “Like I knew that Michelle was coming back – really pleased that she was coming back and she wasn’t being recast iconic character. And I think it’s really interesting to have Max in the mix; it makes everything so much more complicated. I do return for a little bit. It’s quite soon before my sort of permanent return, and there’s lots of drama and chaos to issue.”

Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan, right) caught Max’s attention in flashback scenes in Thursday’s episode. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

He added: [The flashback storyline] works really well. You get a lot of exposition, a lot of the explanation of the relationship, so by the time Max turns up proper, there’s already an established relationship between the two of them. It’s just been a joy.”

Given that neither Max nor Zoe has had particularly smooth-sailing love lives, is this a true romance? Wood is a firm believer that their connection was true and real feelings are involved.

“I mean, from my point of view, I think the relationship between them is genuine,” confirmed Wood. “I think there are genuine feelings between them.

“But I think by the time Max comes back onto the Square, it’s just become very complicated in terms of in terms of where Max is at and what he’s about at that moment, to be able to commit to her, but I do feel like they do have a connection, and I think a lot of that was down to Zoe’s looking for her son that she gave up for adoption, and that Max helps her financially to to pay for the PI, to help look for it.

“Obviously the you know, that’s got very deep meaning for Max, the not having a relationship with his kids. So I think there was a lot of common ground.”

Jake Wood as Max Branning stood in front of Walford East tube station, staring menacingly ahead. He is wearing a light blue shirt paired with a dark coloured suit.

Max Branning (Jake Wood) will soon be back on Albert Square. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

When asked about whether the episodes this week were just a tease for Max’s full-time return, Wood responded in the affirmative and revealed that new executive producer Ben Wadey was the reason he came back.

“I think mainly it’s all down to Ben’s vision, really,” noted Wood. “I had lunch with Ben in January, and that kind of cemented it for me. Ben is a big fan of the show and understands all the characters’ intrinsically exciting stories coming up, so just all the mix of those things was, after that lunch, a bit of a no-brainer for me to think about coming back after five years.

“It’s such a good atmosphere with all the cast. It’s probably the highest I’ve ever known it in 15 years being here; everyone’s on a real high. And the show seems to be going from strength to strength, and it’s just such a great time to be coming back.”

Read more:

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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5 huge EastEnders questions after shock Max Branning return and Zoe Slater twists
TV & Streaming

5 huge EastEnders questions after shock Max Branning return and Zoe Slater twists

by jummy84
written by jummy84

After Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) fought over a gun and it accidentally fired, Zoe realised she had been shot, and her panicked mum Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) brought her to Walford East and called an ambulance.

As Zoe continue to exhibit troubling behaviour, Kat begged Zoe to tell her what she was struggling with, and Zoe mentioned she had an enemy out there who is still alive.

Alfie (Shane Richie) found them and the trio ended up back at The Queen Vic, where Jack was playing the dutiful police detective and covering his own tracks.

Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey) stepped up to administer first aid, and the former flames had a brief catch up, with Zoe glad to hear that Anthony now had children.

As Zoe writhed in pain, a flashback took us back to 2006, where Zoe was screaming through labour pains as she gave birth to twins.

One of the babies tragically didn’t survive, and having only given her first name to medics, Zoe fled the hospital and left her child behind.

In the present, Kat spotted a tattoo of Zoe’s, sporting baby feet with an angel halo, and she was heartbroken for her daughter.

In the ambulance, Zoe showed warmer feelings towards Kat, and said of herself that she “couldn’t even do giving birth right”.

Meanwhile, Jack ordered a guilty Ravi to change his clothes and shower to get rid of the gun residue, as it became ever clearer that Jack was going rogue.

At the hospital, Zoe needed emergency surgery to stop the bleeding, and as Kat waited for news, she answered a call on Zoe’s damaged phone.

Assuming it was the enemy that was after Zoe and that he had shot her, Kat threatened the caller that she would make him pay, but the man stayed silent.

As the call ended, the character Kat had just been threatening was unveiled to viewers as none other than Max Branning (Jake Wood)!

Like us, we’re sure you have a lot of questions, so join RadioTimes.com as we delve into the biggest ones below.

How are Zoe and Max connected?

Jake Wood as Max Branning in EastEnders. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

With Zoe having left Walford in 2005 and Max not arriving until 2006, we’re most curious as to how the pair know each other.

Max has always been a serial womaniser, so it’s of course possible that he and Zoe crossed paths either before he was first on-screen, or in the intervening years while both characters were away.

Still, we also have to entertain the idea that their relationship is not romantic at all!

Was Max calling Zoe as a friend or foe?

With Zoe in fear of an “enemy”, that brings us onto our next big question…

Has Max returned as a villain?

Jake Wood as Max Branning stood in front of Walford East tube station, staring menacingly ahead. He is wearing a light blue shirt paired with a dark coloured suit.

Max was previously confirmed to be returning to Walford. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Max is no stranger to a villain era, having sought revenge over his wrongful conviction for the murder of Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) by trying to take over the Square and trying to kill Ian (Adam Woodyatt).

So might his return see him playing the bad guy in vulnerable Zoe’s story?

While we’ve yet to learn all the details, this would pit Max against Kat and the Moon/Slater clan, and we can’t see his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and estranged teenage son Oscar (Pierre Moullier) wanting anything to do with him.

So, is Max up to no good again, or is there another twist in this tale?

Who fathered Zoe’s children?

Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater standing in Albert Square gardens at night in EastEnders.

Michelle Ryan as Zoe Slater. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

A quick working out of the dates confirmed that whoever Zoe’s baby daddy is, it can’t be the late Dirty Den Watts (Leslie Grantham).

Now that we’ve established who isn’t the father, we need to know who is, and whether it’s a character we know.

There’s no resemblance to Max, but how about Anthony? Was there more to Zoe’s comment that she was pleased he had kids of his own?

Zoe’s ill-fated romance with Den’s son Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman) ended long before her exit, but Dennis remained alive until the very end of 2005, and we don’t know how far into 2006 Zoe gave birth.

Imagine widow Sharon’s (Letitia Dean) shock if she found out that Dennis had a fling with Zoe that led to an unknown pregnancy.

Then there’s the old character group Zoe hung around with decades ago – like Ronny Ferreira (Ray Panthaki) or Tariq Larousi (Nabil Elouahabi).

Whoever this mystery man is, we can’t shake the feeling that it’s a familiar face.

During the flashback, a nurse and doctor were concerned by Zoe’s “bad blood” remark about her baby, but was she referring to her own dark conception story, or that of her child?

Have we already met Zoe’s son?

What if Zoe’s child, who would now be 19 years old, is a character we already know about?

While there were no on-screen births for male EastEnders characters in 2006, that doesn’t necessarily rule this theory out.

Many characters have passed through Albert Square over the years, and there must be a reason the soap has focused first on Zoe’s secret son.

One thing we can rule out is the possibility of Zoe being Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) mother, as Joel is (as far as we know) considerably younger than her child.

What else is Zoe hiding after troubling dialogue?

Was it a clue when Zoe made a point of saying that the man after her is “still alive”?

There’s also Zoe’s continued insistence that she’s done something so awful, that she believes even Kat would wash her hands of her.

This is something we’ve been pondering over since the summer, and with the promise of more secrets to be spilled on Thursday (4th September 2025), it looks like we’ll be in the know very soon.

Anyone affected by Zoe’s story can find support via Sands.

EastEnders continues on Thursday from 6am on BBC iPlayer and at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Read more:

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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Who has been shot in EastEnders gun horror amid Kat and Zoe reunion?
TV & Streaming

Who has been shot in EastEnders gun horror amid Kat and Zoe reunion?

by jummy84
written by jummy84

As Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) took in the sight of her beloved Zoe, who had refused contact with her for years, son Tommy (Sonny Kendall) asked if he had “done good”, having tricked Zoe into finally coming home.

Kat was overwhelmed, and mother and son exchanged an emotional “I love you”.

Zoe wanted to flee, but Kat convinced her to come inside The Queen Vic to dry off from the rain and get the cash she wanted.

But Zoe’s hostility towards Kat soon surfaced, as she resented Kat’s new life as a dedicated wife and mum and reminded her of her drunken behaviour when Zoe was younger.

Michelle Ryan as Zoe hugging Laila Morse as Mo in EastEnders BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

As Kat apologised, twins Bert (Elliot Briffett) and Ernie (Cody Briffett) barrelled in and immediately hugged Zoe, with Tommy joining in, and Zoe didn’t have the heart to reject them.

The interruption allowed Zoe to try and make her escape, only for her to run into great-grandmother Mo Harris (Laila Morse) and share a heartwarming reunion.

Mo delayed Zoe’s exit with a playful con, and Mo and Kat managed to convince Zoe to stay for dinner.

The family gathering was halted when the Moons’ social worker arrived, and although the meeting went well in the end, Zoe was scornful of Kat once more when the latter revealed why social services were involved.

Zoe repeated her earlier childhood complaints, but Kat pointed out that Zoe had a much more wholesome time growing up than she remembered, and that Kat had protected her all she could before the truth about her conception was revealed.

The conversation turned even harsher when Zoe tried to blame Kat for not speaking up about her uncle Harry’s (Michael Elphick) abuse sooner.

Kat recognised that Zoe needed help, and knew there was something else troubling her, but it was clear that Zoe hated herself for even existing.

Jessie Wallace as Kat and Michelle Ryan as Zoe in EastEnders, stood looking at each other in a kitchen.

Jessie Wallace as Kat and Michelle Ryan as Zoe in EastEnders. BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron

“The things I’ve done…” Zoe trailed off.

When Kat remarked that Zoe’s actions can’t be worse than covering up the murder of Den Watts (Leslie Grantham), Zoe couldn’t bring herself to say any more, and ran off mid-sentence.

Meanwhile, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) realised that Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) was now in possession of his gun, and Denise Fox (Diane Parish) saw Ravi sneaking around their home.

Knowing that Ravi had taken the weapon, Jack confronted Ravi and the pair wrestled over the gun.

At that moment, Kat and Zoe were outside The Vic as Kat desperately tried to persuade Zoe to stay.

The gun then went off in their direction, leaving Jack and Ravi reeling – but who has been shot?

It looks like either Kat or Zoe may be in peril, but can they be saved?

The action continues on Wednesday 3rd September at 7.30pm on BBC One, with no early BBC iPlayer release taking place that day.

Read more:

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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EastEnders teases feud for Max Branning return with another iconic character
TV & Streaming

EastEnders teases feud for Max Branning return with another iconic character

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Of course, Max has multiple family connections still in Walford – from his brother Jack (Scott Branning) to his eldest children Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Oscar (Pierre Moullier), plus a love child he doesn’t know about in Annie Carter.

If that wasn’t enough, he’s also got former flames on the Square in the form of Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).

However, Max was also never short on enemies, and now one he has never encountered has become clear in Tuesday’s episode (26th August 2025).

Following the exposure of Oscar as the intruder who left Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) shaken, schemer Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) made her anti-Branning feelings very clear.

Speaking to her son and Lauren’s partner, Peter Beale (Thomas Law), in The Albert, Cindy suggested that Lauren had plotted with Oscar to rob the Truemans.

Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) is holding a grudge in EastEnders. BBC

“She is a Branning, I wouldn’t put anything past them,” argued Cindy about Lauren.

Cindy also argued that Peter’s deceased siblings, Lucy (Hetti Bywater) and Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell), would have seen “straight through” Lauren.

Later, in Kathy’s Cafe, Cindy approached Patrick’s so, Dr. Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey), and complained about Oscar, claiming he had “family form” and “like father, like son”.

Cindy then blamed Max for the death of her eldest son, Steven, and claimed the Brannings were “evil”, with Steven’s death “living proof”.

After telling Anthony he should be relieved Patrick didn’t suffer worse and calling out Oscar’s character, Cindy left.

Aaron Sidwell as Steven Beale in EastEnders in 2017.

Aaron Sidwell as Steven Beale in EastEnders in 2017. YouTube/BBC

Of course, fans will recall that Steven sustained fatal injuries following a violent encounter with Max back in 2017 during a fire started as part of Max’s revenge against the Beales for his being framed for Lucy’s murder.

Steven died in hospital after learning that Max’s daughter, Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald), was pregnant with his child. Abi also died months later after a fatal fall from the Vic, but her child, later named Abi after her mother, was saved.

Max now lives away from Walford, estranged from all his children, but is still the guardian of his granddaughter Abi, who is also Cindy’s grandchild. Max and Cindy share three grandchildren – Abi Jr., Peter and Lauren’s sons, Louie Beale (Jake McNally) and Jimmy Beale.

Pierre Moullier as Oscar Branning, Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning, Jake Wood as Max Branning, and Scott Maslen as Jack Branning pose and stand on the exterior set to Walford tube station for EastEnders.

(L-R) Pierre Moullier as Oscar Branning, Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning, Jake Wood as Max Branning, and Scott Maslen as Jack Branning pose and stand on the exterior set of Walford tube station for EastEnders. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

In case that history wasn’t complicated enough, Max also had an affair with Lucy before she was killed at the hands of her younger half-brother Bobby Beale.

So, there’s now set to be huge tension when Max returns to Walford.

Yet, given the similar scheming and adulterous behaviour of both Max and Cindy, many fans (with us included!) have speculated that this tension could lead to passion as well as fury.

We’ll certainly be ready for drama…

Read More:

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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