EastEnders legend Jake Wood has revealed the soap will air a historic flashforward episode on New Year’s Day 2026.
EastEnders icon Jake Wood has revealed fans are “really going to love” the explosive drama centred around Max Branning.
The BBC One programme will devote its entire New Year’s Day instalment to a glimpse of the future, offering viewers an exciting preview of events set to unfold in 2026.
The half-hour special will follow Max Branning (Jake Wood) in 2027, precisely 12 months ahead of the current timeline, as he lands himself in serious trouble. The predicament is expected to have major ramifications not just for him, but for his entire family.
Speculation is already rife amongst EastEnders devotees about what Max Branning might be getting himself into over the coming year, with some suggesting a possible wedding could be on the cards.
With excitement mounting ahead of the New Year’s Day broadcast, Jake made an appearance on The One Show on Friday (November 28) to discuss his character’s upcoming storylines with hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo, reports OK!.
The 53-year-old actor said: “I think it’s the first time EastEnders have done anything like this, so they have a whole episode which is one New Year’s Day.
“So, in the new year, you have got Max in a lot of trouble, and there’s a lot of drama; those episodes are amazing. Then suddenly on New Year’s Day, we cut to The Vic, and it’s not New Year’s Day 2026, it’s New Year’s Day 2027.
“We see Max, and he has obviously had a busy year; he has been in lots of drama and lots of events that have happened.”
Jake continued: “I think the audience is really going to love it. There has been so much speculation, and it’s just a really interesting way of telling the story. Over the next year, we are going to build up to what we have seen.
“We have got a whole half an hour episode of the flash forward, and honestly, it’s jam-packed full of questions.”
Jake revealed that he and fellow EastEnders cast members have been kept in the dark about Max’s complete storyline. Alex interjected and questioned: “What are the little clues?”
“Yes,” Jake responded, “So we see stuff where Max is in some sort of trouble, lots of things happening. It’s intriguing and confusing.
“The speculation is already off the scale, and we are already, as a cast, all guessing and trying to work, so I don’t know what is going to happen over the year. It’s going to be fascinating.”
Jake Wood has also announced that Max Branning will make his EastEnders comeback on December 16.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
