Stacey Slater’s EastEnders exit has been confirmed and actor Jake Wood is hoping his character Max Branning crosses paths with his former lover before she leaves
EastEnders stalwart Jake Wood is holding out hope that his character Max Branning will rekindle his romance with former love interest Stacey Slater before actress Lacey Turner takes a prolonged break from the BBC One soap.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Lacey would be taking an extended leave of absence, 21 years after her debut episode.
In Wednesday’s (September 3) instalment of the popular drama, Max made his first on-screen appearance in five years as part of a shocking twist involving Stacey’s cousin Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan).
It has been disclosed that Max and Zoe have a hidden past, but Jake affirmed there’s “undoubtedly” unresolved matters between his character and Stacey.
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At a recent EastEnders press event, Jake commented: “I suppose there will always be a connection with Max and Stacey so regardless of where they are, or who they’re with, I think there will always be an emotional connection between them and they understand each other.”, reports the Daily Star.
“Lacey Turner is going on an extended break. Will Max and Stacey’s paths cross before she goes? You’ll have to just keep watching but personally I really hope so.”
Jake also hinted that Max will bring “chaos and drama” when he makes his full-time return later this year.
He added: “I do return for a little bit before my permanent return and there’s lots drama and chaos to be ensued.
“There’s such a good atmosphere with all the cast and it’s probably sort of the highest I’ve known it in the 15 years being here.
“Everyone is on a real high and the show seems to be going from strength to strength. It’s such a great time to be coming back.”
Speaking about Max and Zoe’s romance, Jake revealed: “For my point of view, I think the relationship between Max and Zoe is genuine.
“I think there’s genuine feelings between them but I think by the time Max comes back onto the Square it becomes very complicated in terms of where Max is at but I feel like they do have a connection.”
Throughout his initial run on the BBC soap, Jake won over audiences as his character Max found himself embroiled in numerous major plotlines.
The Christmas Day instalment that exposed Max’s affair with daughter-in-law Stacey remains one of the most explosive yuletide episodes in the show’s history.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX
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