EastEnders' Max Branning returns to Walford after four years in shock wedding cliffhanger

Fans were left gob smacked at the end of today's EastEnders episode, as Max Branning made his shock return in a jaw-dropping cliffhanger.

It was the day of Lauren Branning and Peter Beale's 'surprise' wedding, although it looked like things weren't going to go ahead at first. As Lauren was left alone to get ready, she was seen storming out the house in a panic, where she bumped into Stacey Slater.

After a heart to heart, in which Stacey reminisced on her time with Martin, Lauren changed her mind, and headed off to The Vic. She didn't hide the fact she was about to run away during her vows, as she jokingly told Peter he was "more like Noel Edmonds thanNoel Gallagher".

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Everything went perfectly, but of course, it was too good to be true. We've all watched soaps long enough by now to know no wedding ever goes smoothly, especially not on Albert Square.

A few weeks ago,Patrick and Yolande's wedding reception was interrupted by a gunshot on the Square, in which Zoe Slater was shot.

Lauren's wedding took a turn when she threw her bouquet to a bunch of single ladies at the end of the night. Ironically, she persuaded Stacey Slater to join the queue after their heart to heart, unbeknownst to what was about to happen next.

Unfortunately, no one caught the bouquet in the toss, and the residents got the shock of their life when Max Branning walked into his daughter's wedding and picked it up off the floor.

"Must be my lucky day!" he exclaimed, as the residents, including his daughter Lauren Branning and ex Stacey Slater watched on in shock.

The episode then ended on a dramatic cliffhanger, but luckily, we have spoilers that tease even more drama.

Spoilers for this week reveal that Kat warns Zoe off Max after spotting the pair talking. So far, none of the Slaters know about the pair's former relationship, but is that all set to change?

However, during the chat, it's clear that Max's attention is on Stacey, as he follows her back to number 31. But what will go down?

Zoe and Stacey aren't the only residents Max has dramatic run ins with, as at the end of the week, Cindy learns Max is back, as she heads to see the man who killed his son, Steven.

Fans were over the moon to see Max return to Walford, as one penned: "When Max walked in omg! MY G IS BACKKK," wrote one fan, while another penned: "What a Duff Duff! My favourite character Max Branning is officially back on Albert Square after 4 years away!"

"MAX IS BACK!" exclaimed a third excited fan, while a fourth wrote: "oh! He’s baaaccck Max Branning is back!!"

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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