❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

EastEnders airs Max Branning's dramatic return amid Lauren and Peter outcome in BBC iPlayer release

He's baaaack!

A smiling Max holding a bouquet in EastEnders

BBC

Published: Tuesday, 30 September 2025 at 6:30 am

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 issues for £10

**Warning: Contains major spoilers for the Tuesday 30th September 2025 episode of EastEnders, available now on BBC iPlayer.**

Ad

Max Branning (Jake Wood) has returned to Walford for the first time in over four years, as EastEnders aired a suitably dramatic comeback for the infamous character following his recent appearances away from the Square.

As the episode picked up from the moment Max's daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) discovered that fiancé Peter Beale (Thomas Law) had arranged a surprise wedding at The Queen Vic, Lauren was reeling.

Despite having conflicted feelings about her future with Peter, Lauren ultimately agreed to get married.

But, taking a moment alone after having her hair done, Lauren panicked, and decided to do a runner.

Lauren looking torn in EastEnders

Jacqueline Jossa in EastEnders. BBC

Outside, she was found by former sister-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) who was grappling with her own decision not to move to Brazil after all.

Stacey and Lauren had a heart-to-heart, with Stacey sharing how she had taken the late Martin Fowler (James Bye) for granted, and now she would never get a second chance with him.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

As Stacey questioned whether Lauren loved Peter – to which the bride answered yes – and urged her not to confuse boredom with being comfortable, Lauren made her final decision.

As the wedding party worried to find Lauren missing, she suddenly returned home, with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) making an awkward exit after comically complaining about everyone's inability to track her down!

Back at the pub, Peter made his vows, and when it was Lauren's turn, she admitted she had nearly legged it – but that in the end, she still fancied Peter.

Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater reacting to Max's comeback in EastEnders

Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater reacting to Max's comeback. BBC

The pair were finally pronounced husband and wife, and Lauren thanked Stacey for her earlier support, before ordering her to join the women in an effort to catch her bouquet.

Her flowers landed on the ground, just as Max walked through the door.

Picking up the bouquet, Max grinned, declaring: "Must be my lucky day!"

Watched on by a shocked Lauren and his ex-lover Stacey, Max certainly left the guests reeling.

And with everyone as yet unaware of Max's surprise connection to Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), how will his arrival be received?

Let the chaos commence!

Read more:

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app– download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Ad

Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Laura Denby in front a white background, she is smiling and looking at the camera

Laura DenbyFreelance Writer

Laura Denby is a Freelance Soaps writer covering all the latest news in the Dales, Cobbles and East End for Radio Times. She's a soaps nerd with a love for comedy drama, and has also written for Digital Spy, Metro UK and Yahoo UK.

Ad

Ad

Subscribe for £1 per week

Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.

Subscribe now

Loading...

Ad

Loading...