Max Branning's dramatic return to EastEnders took a shocking turn as he was caught kissing Zoe Slater by Stacey Slater, leaving fans stunned. The cliffhanger moment in tonight's episode set the stage for further drama, with spoilers revealing that Max will be ordered to leave Walford by his daughter Lauren.
In the episode, Max crashed Lauren's wedding at The Vic, prompting Kat Slater to warn Zoe away from him. Later, Max followed Stacey home, where they reminisced and he broke down in tears. Stacey allowed him in for one drink but stopped things from escalating. Zoe later arrived and questioned Max's presence, suggesting Stacey should leave for Brazil.
The tension culminated when Max and Zoe met outside The Vic. Zoe thanked Max for his help and expressed regret over their past, leading to a kiss. Max initially resisted but gave in, with Stacey watching in shock. This sets up explosive scenes for tomorrow's episode.
Spoilers confirm that Stacey is not the only one Max must face. He argues with Lauren, who orders him to leave Walford after missing much of her wedding. Meanwhile, Cindy Beale is stunned to learn Max is back and heads to The Vic to confront the man who killed her son, Steven.
Actress Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey, commented: 'When Stacey sees Max and Zoe kiss, it’s such a shock. She had no idea they knew each other, let alone that they were a couple. She feels betrayed by Zoe, but she’s reminded that this is typical Max behaviour.'
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
