EastEnders viewers are speculating that Max Branning will become embroiled in Mark Fowler Jr's stolen car operation, after Lauren Branning rejected his offer to join the scam. During Wednesday's episode, Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) realised that Mark (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) was behind her recent carjacking and that the vehicles he sold to her dealership were stolen. She threatened to report him, but Mark retaliated by saying he would use her messages requesting more cars against her, offering her a role in his scheme as a 'tired looking mum' unlikely to be suspected.
Although tempted by the prospect of funding her blind son's specialist nursery, Lauren ultimately refused. However, her father Max (Jake Wood) witnessed her confrontation with Mark, leading fans to believe he will step in. 'Tonight's Duff Duff - it looks like Max is begging to smell a rat with Mark,' wrote one viewer. 'But with Lauren adamant she doesn't want to get involved - I wonder if Mark will pull Max into the stolen car business?'
Another fan agreed: 'Now think maybe Max instead of Lauren will be going into “business” with Mark at some stage.' A third added: 'Agree about Max going in to business with Mark for sure.' Many noted that Max, as the boss of the car lot, would be a natural partner for Mark's illicit enterprise.
Meanwhile, some viewers predict a romantic affair between Lauren and Mark, despite her rejection of his business proposal. 'Lauren & Mark are defo gonna be sleeping together this year,' one fan commented. 'You can feel the chemistry brewing.' Others pointed to Peter's recent devoted behaviour as a sign that an affair is imminent, though some believe Mark is a 'red herring' and the affair may involve someone else.
Speculation also surrounds the New Year's Day flashforward, with some fans thinking Penny Branning's death is a misdirection. One viewer suggested: 'Penny dying is a red herring... What I can see is Vinny dying, Penny not being able to cope and leaving baby Ethan with Jack.' Another theorised that Vinny's death would lead to Penny's depression and Jack taking over care of their child, while Max's potential affair with a pregnant Priya could trigger a kidnapping plot.
