EASTENDERS star Jake Wood is making a shock return, The Sun on Sunday can reveal.
The actor, 52, will reprise his role as love rat Max Branning later this year in dramatic scenes.
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Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects.
His comeback coincides with former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, preparing to depart Walford.
A telly source said: “Jake’s return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show.
“It’ll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character’s reappearance means for spicing up the plots.
“There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.”
Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime.
He said: “I don’t miss the schedules. Anyone will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people.
“When you’re at the centre of a big storyline like EastEnders Christmas, something like that — it’s a real thrill as an actor to be a part of that, big storylines, big characters.
“I did about two or three live episodes and they were always terrifying, but great fun.”
Lothario Max had four marriages and ten affairs — luring a total of 15 women into his bed, including his son Bradley’s partner Stacey.
EastEnders legend Jake Wood reveals he collapsed on a beach and was just minutes away from death before being saved
He left Albert Square to start to a new life in New Zealand.
Last weekend, EastEnders scooped a TV Bafta for best soap — with executive producer Kate Oates teasing: “If you like a return, I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed because there’s potentially one on the cards. We’ve got some uncharted territory.”
Last night EastEnders declined to comment.
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