EastEnders character making shock return after eight years offscreen – but is being recast
EASTENDERS is bringing back a character last seen on screen eight years ago - in a shock recast.
The Sun exclusively revealed the upcoming return of Max Branning to Walford as actor Jake Wood reprises the role he left four years ago.
But now it can be revealed that he won’t be returning alone.
The BBC soap is set to begin rebuilding one of its main families with the Brannings to take centre stage once more.
Max’s comeback will also see his son Oscar arrive in Walford for the first time since 2017 - and he’s being played by a brand new recast.
Actor Pierre Moullier will play the now teenage Oscar taking over the role from Charlee Hall who last appeared in eight years ago.
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A source said: “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.”
Actor Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects.
His comeback coincides with former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, preparing to depart Walford.
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A telly source said: “Jake’s return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show.
“It’ll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character’s reappearance means for spicing up the plots.
“There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.”
Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime.
He said: “I don’t miss the schedules. Anyone will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people.
“When you’re at the centre of a big storyline like EastEnders Christmas, something like that — it’s a real thrill as an actor to be a part of that, big storylines, big characters.”
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves - Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi - Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp - Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
Earlier this month EastEnders scooped a TV Bafta for best soap — with executive producer Kate Oates teasing: “If you like a return, I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed because there’s potentially one on the cards.
“We’ve got some uncharted territory.”