EastEnders has announced that the BBC One soap will make history with a special flashforward episode that will skip one year into the future, focusing on Max Branning
EastEnders has revealed a groundbreaking flashforward episode that will leap one year ahead into the future.
The BBC One soap will devote its entire New Year’s Day episode to events yet to come, offering viewers a tantalising peek at the drama set to unfold in 2026.
The 30-minute special will centre on Max Branning (Jake Wood) in 2027, precisely one year from the current timeline, as he lands himself in serious trouble.
The predicament is destined to have massive ramifications not only for Max himself but also for his entire family.
True to Branning form, Max positions himself at the heart of Walford’s chaos as multiple storylines collide simultaneously, reports OK!.
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The forward-looking scenes will reveal that 2026 harbours numerous secrets lurking in the shadows, plus a mountain of trouble that would challenge anyone to escape unscathed.
A teaser image for the announcement depicts Max dressed in a navy suit adorned with a white rose on his blazer lapel, hinting at a possible wedding.
Yet the bloom is stained with blood – has Max fallen victim to danger, or has he crossed a criminal line?
The Walford legend is also pictured adjusting his blue tie, sporting a costly timepiece on his left wrist and a ring adorning his finger.
What’s behind Max’s smart appearance?
Hinting at the flashforward, EastEnders’ executive producer Ben Wadey revealed: “For the first time in the show’s history, we’re going to be offering our viewers an entire flashforward episode set on New Year’s Day 2027.
“2026 is going to be full of drama in Walford, especially for the Brannings, and the episode is sure to raise plenty of questions on how Max has got himself and his family, into such predicaments, but all is not what it seems, so stay tuned for 2026 to find out how and why.”
Max burst onto our screens back in 2006 and swiftly became known as a reckless, serial philanderer whose antics devastated his family and placed him at the centre of some of the soap’s most memorable storylines.
He departed the Square in heartbreaking fashion in 2021 following his fling with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), which crumbled when she confessed her genuine feelings for her spouse, Mick (Danny Dyer), whilst his interference led to brother Jack’s (Scott Maslen) suspension from the police force.
Nevertheless, Max made a dramatic comeback in September 2025 after a four-year absence. He turned up at The Queen Vic just as his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) wed Peter Beale (Thomas Law).
Under the stunned gaze of Lauren and former flame Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), Max certainly sent shockwaves through the wedding party when he revealed an unexpected link to Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).
Max subsequently left Walford but is poised to make a dramatic return.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
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