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EastEnders confirms Max Branning's huge decision after Linda Carter drops bombshell

EastEnders' Max Branning isn't set for such a jolly Christmas time in Walford

[EastEnders]

Max Branning was shocked as Linda Carter dropped a huge bombshell(Image: BBC)

EastEnders' Linda Carter has delivered a devastating revelation to Max Branning, leaving him reeling.

Earlier this week, ladies' man Max (played by Jake Wood) made a dramatic return to Albert Square, rushing to his son Oscar's (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) side after the lad heroically saved Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) from a blazing building.

Max seems to be a changed man, determined to mend the fractured relationships with his children, Oscar and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), reports OK!.

For the past five years, Max has been oblivious to the fact that he fathered a child with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) during their fleeting romance, as his entire family chose to keep Annie's paternity under wraps.

[EastEnders spoilers for the lead-up to Christmas have confirmed Max Branning and Linda Carter both return]

Linda Carter has confirmed to Max that he is the father of her daughter Annie (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

However, in the latest episode of EastEnders, which aired on Friday at 7:30 p. m on BBC One, Max tried to demonstrate that his children are now his top priority, successfully winning Lauren over to his redemption journey.

This gave Linda pause for thought, leading her to give Max a chance as he moved into her boutique hotel. During an intimate conversation, she revealed to him that he is the father of her daughter, Annie. But how will Max handle this shocking news?

In next week's episodes of the popular BBC soap, Max vents his frustrations to his family as Lauren and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) scramble to manage the fallout.

[EastEnders]

Max Branning is hoping to build relations with his estranged children in EastEnders(Image: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

The duo promise to stand by Max as he grapples with the reality that Annie is his daughter, and Lauren and Jack believe they've managed to dissuade him from any rash actions.

However, Max's decision to heed advice from his former flame Zoe leads him down a path he might regret.

On Christmas Eve, Max's actions turn him into his own worst enemy in the Square. He tries to mend fences with Oscar, but only ends up exacerbating the situation.

Linda soon approaches him, and he attempts to settle another dispute.

[EastEnders]

Linda Carter finally told Max Branning the truth about Annie in EastEnders(Image: BBC)

Meanwhile, Oscar drowns his sorrows in solitude before joining the family at the carol concert - where drama inevitably ensues.

Feeling disappointed by his father once more, and fuelled by festive cheer, Oscar drops a bombshell on Max that could jeopardise the Brannings' Christmas celebrations.

The following day sees the Brannings and Beales gearing up for a family Christmas dinner at No. 45, with Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) and Harvey (Ross Boatman) fully embracing the holiday spirit.

[It's a huge time on EastEnders this Christmas and New Year]

It's a huge time for Max Branning this Christmas and New Year(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

But it wouldn't be a Walford Christmas without a dash of drama. The arrival of Cindy Beale (Michele Collins) complicates the festivities as her family scrambles to keep her away from Max.

As the meal commences, it's evident that Max is still stewing over Oscar's revelation. Chaos soon breaks out when multiple truths ignite a firestorm at the dinner table, affecting everyone present.

Will Max ever reconcile with his children in Walford? Is there a glimmer of hope for Max and Linda?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer

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