While his character Max Branning faces fresh turmoil on Albert Square, EastEnders star Jake Wood enjoys a stable and loving private life far from Walford's drama. As a special flashforward episode on New Year's Day teases Max's future in 2027, we explore the actor's real-world commitments to his family, his career success, and a significant personal health achievement.
A Devoted Family Man Behind the Scenes
In stark contrast to Max Branning's chaotic love life, Jake Wood has been happily married to his wife, Alison, for over two decades. The couple first met in 2001 and have been inseparable ever since. They celebrated their enduring bond by renewing their wedding vows in a festival-themed ceremony in 2017, surrounded by friends and fellow soap stars.
Jake credits open communication and shared goals for their lasting marriage. In a touching tribute on Instagram in September 2025, he called Alison his "shining light." The couple share two children, Amber and Buster, and two dogs. Jake recently celebrated his daughter Amber's 18th birthday with a heartfelt social media post, praising her as a "kind, caring and effortlessly cool" person.
Impressive Earnings and Career Ventures
Financially, Jake Wood has built considerable success beyond the Queen Vic. Following his exit from EastEnders in 2020, he reportedly accumulated around £1 million in a single year. This wealth was generated through theatre work, including a stint in the West End production 2:22: A Ghost Story, pantomime roles, and a popular podcast.
Business documents showed his company held cash reserves exceeding £200,000 in 2022 and settled a Corporation Tax bill of £169,151. After a five-year hiatus, Wood made a highly anticipated return to the BBC soap earlier in 2025, just as his character Max is thrust back into the spotlight.
A Milestone of Sobriety and Health
Away from the cameras, Jake has achieved a profound personal milestone. On New Year's Day 2023, he publicly announced he was 20 years sober. Sharing his achievement on social media, he expressed pride and offered encouragement to others, stating, "If you are struggling there is help out there... believe me if I did it you can too."
As Max Branning's story continues to unravel on screen, with a secret meeting facilitated by his son Oscar leading to fury from daughter Lauren, Jake Wood's off-screen reality remains a testament to stability, family devotion, and personal resilience. EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
