EastEnders star Jake Wood has confirmed the exact date he will return to the BBC soap as Max Branning ahead of the New Year flashforward episode. Max is set to make a comeback to the soap this festive season , having previously returned earlier this year .

Viewers know that Max returned in September having formed a connection with fellow returnee Zoe Slater. After being turned down by his ex-lover Stacey Slater, Max left Walford again.

In a special New Year's Day episode, the soap will flash forward to 2027 , with the action following Max a year on from the present day.

Appearing on tonight's episode of The One Show , Wood opened up about his exciting return, telling hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo how it all came about.

He said: "[I] had lunch with the new boss in January,

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