EastEnders viewers reckon they’ve sussed out whom Max Branning will be romancing when he struts back into Albert Square.

Reports suggest that Jake Wood is set to step back into his role as the renowned Walford womaniser four years after his departure from the BBC drama.

He bid farewell to EastEnders in 2021 following a 15-year stint to pursue other ventures but it seems, as reported by The Sun, Max is bound to “raise some eyebrows” with his sensational return.

The timing of Max’s comeback aligns with Lacey Turner’s recent disclosure about taking a hiatus from her portrayal of Stacey Slater.

Throughout his years in Walford, Max had no shortage of romantic exploits, having enticed numerous women including his son Bradley Branning’s (Charlie Clements) significant other Stacey, and now spectators are betting Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) will become his newest conquest, reports Belfast Live.

However, a segment of the audience reminds us that Max was instrumental in causing the demise of Cindy’s offspring Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell).

Steven found himself ensnared by Max’s scheme to torch Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) eatery in hopes of sacrificing Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), only to attempt a rescue of both Jane and Max’s daughter Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald) from the blaze.

In a subsequent confrontation, Max’s violent shove led to Steven sustaining injuries that triggered a fatal cardiac arrest in hospital.

Vindictiveness towards the Beales brewed in Max after being falsely implicated in the murder of Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater), with the true perpetrator later unveiled as her younger half-brother Bobby (Eliot Carrington), whom Jane sought to protect.

On X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, one viewer commented: “Before Max and Cindy predictably get together. Some things need to be re-addressed. He was sleeping with Lucy and ultimately was the reason Steven died #EastEnders.”

A second fan speculated: “Max Branning coming back to #EastEnders 50 quid bet that he ends up in Cindy’s bed before the end of the year!”.

Excitement brewed in another post: “Max Branning finally on his way back to Albert Square is the news I needed. I need the Max and Cindy partnership ASAP #EastEnders”.