Two EastEnders legends stage dramatic returns and huge twists follow

Two EastEnders legends stage dramatic returns and huge twists follow Maisie Spackman Published December 3, 2025 11:59pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments Two characters are set to return (Picture: ITV)

EastEnders fans may have just said goodbye to two characters, but there are two others set to return to fill the gap.

This week, we bid farewell to Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) and Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) as they headed off hand in hand to travel Australia.

In upcoming scenes, we are set to see Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) finally return from her own travels, having sold the Vic and headed off on a cruise earlier this year.

Elaine Peacock’s (Harriet Thorpe) plans for the opening of Peacock’s Palace get off to a good start, but they are quickly derailed by Linda’s sudden return.

She isn’t home long before she has an unexpected conversation with fellow returnee Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), which leaves her with food for thought.

Linda Carter is back! (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

The following day, things look set to get even more complicated, and I’m not talking about the fire that is set to engulf No.25.

No, I’m talking about the return of Max Branning (Jake Wood)!

Viewers will know that there is a complicated history between Max and Linda, after their affair left her pregnant with daughter Annie – something that Max has no idea about!

When Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) learnt the truth after returning to Walford, Linda swore her to secrecy, and she and uncle Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) have continued to hide the truth.

Linda has an unexpected conversation with Sam Mitchell (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

Linda is understandably rattled when she sees Max back on home turf, but eventually the pair find themselves going for a drink in The Albert, with both hiding plenty of secrets yet to be uncovered…

Later, Max confides his suspicions about Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) to Jack, before heading to the Vic to make a declaration for everyone to hear.

In the final instalment of the week, Max is determined to right parenting wrongs of the past by stepping up in support of his daughter.

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There are further big things ahead for Max in the New Year, as EastEnders airs another flashforward episode.

Max Branning returns with a bang! (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

A special 30-minute instalment that will hit screens on New Year’s Day 2026 will follow Max exactly one year into the future (early 2027), where he finds himself in a sticky situation – one that, in typical Walford fashion, will not only have huge consequences for himself but also for his family.

Multiple events will unfold simultaneously, which means that 2026 will be one to watch for audiences, with many secrets waiting to be discovered alongside a plethora of drama that would be hard for anyone – yes even Max! – to talk themselves out of.

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The episode in question will provide clues about what is yet to unfold for Max – and those around him – in 2026, meaning that fans will have plenty to speculate about.

Arrow MORE: Huge EastEnders return ‘confirmed’ as Max’s ‘new bride’ in flashforward twist

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