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EastEnders fans 'identify' Max Branning's New Year bride and it's not Cindy Beale

EastEnders fans are convinced they know who love rat Max will plan to marry and it's not who you think

[An individual dressed in a formal suit and tie is standing and adjusting his attire against a textured background.]

Max Branning is set to get married again in EastEnders (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders has confirmed another romantic encounter for Max Branning and Cindy Beale, but could romance be on the cards?

The pair's love-hate dynamic emerged after they slept together on Christmas Day without realising each other's identity, and they were livid when they uncovered the truth.

Nevertheless, Max (Jake Wood) and Cindy (Michelle Collins) have drawn closer over recent weeks as they schemed to bring down Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) after she murdered her father, Anthony Trueman (Nicholas Bailey).

During Thursday's visit to Walford (March 19), Max assisted former flame Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) with her laundry at the laundrette in a bid to apologise for his foul mood after she spurned his advances.

[Max Branning gets close to Cindy Beale during an EastEnders scene]

Max and Cindy enjoyed another evening of passion in EastEnders(Image: BBC)

The duo later enjoyed time together with their young daughter Annie, and Max swiftly leapt to Linda's defence when Johnny (Charlie Suff) was frosty towards her in the Square, reports OK!

Max also began probing for details about Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) after he flogged Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) a motor at the car lot. His new worker, Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy), cautioned Max to keep clear of Mark, as he is in hot water.

Later that evening, Max held up the bar at The Albert, where Cindy informed him that a date had been set for Jasmine's trial. The spark between the couple remained very much alive as Max successfully charmed Cindy once again, in full sight of the passing public.

Meanwhile, at Peacock Palace, Linda revealed to her mother what had occurred with Max earlier that day. Elaine (Harriet Thorpe) attempted to steer Linda clear of heartbreaker Max, but grabbed her daughter's attention by mentioning that Max was drinking by himself in the pub.

[Cindy looks at Max during an eastenders scene]

Cindy wasted no time in giving in to Max's charm(Image: bbc)

Linda didn't hesitate before making her way to The Albert to find Max, but she was devastated when she caught sight of him locked in a passionate embrace with Cindy through the window.

As Linda turned and walked away from the pub, she appeared visibly wounded, as though she still harboured feelings for Max. Might Linda and Max be heading for a wedding on New Year's Day?

Taking to X, one viewer posted: "I thought Linda wasn't bothered? (laughing face) #EastEnders."

Another declared: "Not Linda having more feelings for Max #EastEnders", whilst a third added: "Poor Linda watching Max and Cindy, she looked gutted (sad face) #EastEnders."

[Linda stands outside of the prince albert in Eastenders]

Linda Carter looked visibly upset after catching Max kissing Cindy(Image: BBC)

"Max will be begging Linda to forgive him #EastEnders", forecast another, whilst someone else observed: "Linda seeing Max with Cindy (broken heart), mind you, he's the first man she's noticed since Mick... #eastenders."

Max recently returned to Walford and is destined to tie the knot again on New Year's Day 2027.

In a bold flash-forward episode broadcast on New Year's Day 2026, the plot jumped ahead a year to focus on Max's wedding day, giving viewers a glimpse of his chaotic future. However, the identity of his intended bride remains shrouded in mystery.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer

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