Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders , played by Jake Wood . He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006. Wood took a four-month break from the show in 2011 and the character was absent between August and November 2011. Wood took a year long break from the show in 2015, with Max departing on 1 October. He returned on 24 December 2016. Wood took another short break from the show in 2018; Max departed on 16 February and returned on 23 April. It was announced in 2018 that Max would be taking a break from the soap in early 2019. He left on 14 February 2019 and returned on 7 May 2019. Max served as the show's main antagonist of 2017 following his release from prison and planning revenge on all his family, friends and neighbours. On 16 September 2020, it was announced that Wood would be departing from the role of Max after more than 14 years. Wood's final scenes aired on 19 February 2021.
175-1448: Many of Max's storylines focus on his relationships, including his marriages to Tanya Branning ( Jo Joyner ), Kirsty Branning ( Kierston Wareing ) and Rainie Cross ( Tanya Franks ), and relationships with Gemma Clewes ( Natalie J. Robb ), Stacey Slater ( Lacey Turner ), Vanessa Gold ( Zöe Lucker ), Lucy Beale ( Hetti Bywater ), Emma Summerhayes ( Anna Acton ), Karin Smart ( Denise van Outen ), Carmel Kazemi ( Bonnie Langford ), Fi Browning ( Lisa Faulkner ), Ruby Allen ( Louisa Lytton ) and Linda Carter ( Kellie Bright ), many of which are extramarital affairs. Max has also embarked on feuds with his father Jim Branning ( John Bardon ), brothers Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen ) and Derek Branning ( Jamie Foreman ), as well as Sean Slater ( Robert Kazinsky ), Harry Gold ( Linal Haft ), Janine Butcher ( Charlie Brooks ), Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ), Cora Cross ( Ann Mitchell ), Jay Brown ( Jamie Borthwick ), Carl White ( Daniel Coonan ), Charlie Cotton ( Declan Bennett ), Ben Mitchell ( Harry Reid / Max Bowden ), Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ), Jane Beale ( Laurie Brett ), Steven Beale ( Aaron Sidwell ), Mick Carter ( Danny Dyer ), Martin Fowler ( James Bye ), Stuart Highway ( Ricky Champ ) and Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth ). In 2008, Max became central to
350-409: A National Television Award for Serial Drama Performance. In a 2000 interview, Blackwood claimed that if he had not made it in show business he would have been "a graphic designer, designing buildings". He became the stepbrother of supermodel Naomi Campbell when his father married her mother in the 1980s, until their divorce several years later. His uncle is singer Junior Giscombe and his cousin
525-481: A false alibi , he is found guilty thanks to Phil paying off the jury foreman. Upon hearing the verdict, Max escapes from court and manages to confront Jane in the hope of uncovering the truth. Jane simply says she believes Max is innocent and decides to help him escape to Ireland. Max wants to say a final goodbye to Lauren and Abi, so Jane goes to Carol's to find them. Carol realises Max is at Jane's so goes there and decides to go to Ireland with him. When Abi finds out Max
700-421: A whodunit storyline that saw him being run over by a mystery assailant who was eventually revealed to be his daughter Lauren ( Madeline Duggan ). He has also had to come to terms with the death of his son Bradley Branning ( Charlie Clements ), being framed for attempted murder by Carl White ( Daniel Coonan ) and his girlfriend Emma's death. In October 2015, Max was wrongly convicted for Lucy Beale's murder ,
875-426: A beauty salon named Booty. Tanya, after much pressure from Max, gives birth to Oscar. Unbeknown to Tanya, Max has started an affair with Stacey Slater ( Lacey Turner ), who is Max's son Bradley Branning 's ( Charlie Clements ) former girlfriend. When the affair is revealed on Christmas Day on a video recording recorded by Tanya and Max's daughter, Lauren Branning ( Madeline Duggan / Jacqueline Jossa ), Tanya asks for
1050-491: A bedsit. It is also revealed that he is in a relationship with Fi Browning ( Lisa Faulkner ), who works for Grafton Hill. Fi knows about Max and Carmel's relationship as it is part of a plan to get information from the council. Max reveals to Steven that he knows about his brain tumour lie and stops Steven confessing to Lauren by telling her that Steven has three months to live. Max blackmails Steven, threatening that he will reveal his lie if he does not do what he tells him. When
1225-416: A brain tumour. Lauren leaves a message on Max's voicemail, requesting him to refuse Steven when he asks him for permission to marry her. However, Max deliberately gives his permission, pretending he did not get Lauren's message. Max and Carmel have sex after their second date but he leaves before she wakes up and goes home, where his house appears to show him to be wealthy despite telling people that he lives in
1400-570: A cake, but Cora arrives and says she has heard what he did and told Tanya, who has decided to make sure Max never sees Oscar again. Max, close to a mental breakdown over his recent losses, sees Phil, Mick, Vincent Hubbard ( Richard Blackwood ), Keanu Taylor ( Danny Walters ) and Aidan Maguire ( Patrick Bergin ) leaving The Albert bar together and realises they are planning something. He fails to try and manipulate Keanu into thinking that he will be used as collateral damage. Jack continues to support Max and after persuading Mick and Linda to let Max drink
1575-562: A car from him. They start a casual relationship but she realises Max still loves Tanya and ends the affair. When Tanya sends Max their finalised divorced papers, he storms in to her house and tells her he still loves her. However, Tanya says she has moved on and reveals she and her new boyfriend Greg Jessop ( Stefan Booth ) are engaged, and will be married in a few months. Max attempts to reconcile with Vanessa, but she informs him that their relationship will never be serious. However, when Vanessa's husband, Harry Gold ( Linal Haft ) finds out about
1750-404: A chair. Max and Lucy have an explosive argument outside of the car lot, which sees Max grab Lucy violently by her arm. Later that night, Lucy is murdered by an unknown assailant (see Who Killed Lucy Beale? ). Max becomes prime suspect after the police discover that Lucy was having an affair, and Max reveals all to David Wicks ( Michael French ). David initially tries to encourage Max to confess to
1925-697: A cigarette, revealing that he has been self-harming . Max attends Jack's wedding to Ronnie, and Roxy slips her bedroom key into his pocket. After the ceremony, Max goes to Roxy's bedroom and waits for her. There, he finds cocaine in Roxy's handbag. The next day, Max hears that Ronnie and Roxy have drowned and disposes of Roxy's cocaine so the police will not find it. Max supports Jack and his mother-in-law Glenda Mitchell ( Glynis Barber ) as they struggle to cope with their loss and to look after his children, Amy Mitchell (Abbie Knowles), Ricky Mitchell (Henri Charles), and Ronnie's son, Matthew Mitchell Cotton , whose father
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#17328017828212100-755: A conscience but he's thinking about his own survival. He wants to keep his family at all costs." On hiding Max's debt problems from Tanya, Wood commented: "Max thinks he can wriggle out of situations and admitting to debt would be a blow to his manhood. But Tanya would have understood and he'd have kept his family. [...] The problem between Max and Tanya has always been honesty. If Tanya finds out she may never trust Max again." When Tanya discovers Max's lies, she leaves him. This storyline facilitated Joyner's temporary departure on maternity leave. The show's executive producer Diederick Santer commented: "Yet again, Max has messed up, hasn't he? He's learned to keep it in his trousers, but financially, he's corrupt. He's taken his eye off
2275-580: A copy of the recording and gives it to Bradley. Both couples separate and Tanya files for divorce, but Max interferes with Tanya's romance with Stacey's brother, Sean Slater ( Rob Kazinsky ), and threatens to expose her as an unfit mother. With Sean's help, Tanya drugs Max and puts him in a coffin before burying him alive in the woods, knowing that a similar thing happened to him when he was 13 years old. An attack of conscience prompts Tanya to dig Max up and he decides to leave Walford as he can see how much devastation he had caused. Max returns, and discovers Tanya
2450-473: A divorce and starts a relationship with Stacey's brother Sean Slater ( Robert Kazinsky ). Tanya plots to bury Max alive and with the help of Sean, they drug Max and bury him in the woods. Tanya later feels guilty, digs him up and ends her relationship with Sean. Tanya then has to face her sister, Rainie ( Tanya Franks ), turning up as she did the year before, claiming she is clean of drugs, though she tests positive, so Tanya orders her to leave. Tanya then starts
2625-423: A dying Pat Evans ( Pam St Clement ), she furiously brands him a "freak" and Derek is livid when Max sides with her. Max is unnerved, however, when Derek hints that he knows things about Max that he does not want Tanya to know. Max becomes sexually frustrated as Tanya is never in the mood for sex, and sleeps with Roxy Mitchell ( Rita Simons ) after he sees her naked. They kiss in an alleyway but are interrupted when
2800-433: A few weeks later, tells Bradley they are moving there permanently. Max returns with his family to find that Stacey and Bradley have reconciled and are now engaged. On the night of Bradley and Stacey's wedding, Max kisses Stacey and although she rejects him, Lauren's camcorder captures the kiss on video. Soon after, Tanya and Max's son, Oscar Branning , is born. Max and Stacey's affair is revealed at Christmas after Lauren makes
2975-526: A great admirer of both John Bardon and June Brown and I'm looking forward to joining the Branning family." In March 2008, Max was temporarily written out of the show when Wood went on paternity leave. Wood said of this "It comes at a good time because Max is getting grief over his affair so he will disappear for a while." He returned three months later, in June. In May 2009, Wood signed a new two-year contract with
3150-415: A grief-stricken Tanya to get her into the car to go to the funeral. Tanya arrives at the church with Cora, but is unable to get out and tells Lauren that she feels like she has failed as a mother. Lauren reassures Tanya it is fine for her to miss the service as Abi loved her and at the end; Tanya says goodbye to Lauren. Months later, Cora reveals that Tanya has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital because of
3325-412: A group of tenants refuse to leave their flat, Max orders Steven to burn it down but make sure the tenants are out. When Steven does this, he tells Max that he does not know if the tenants got out. Jane finds out about Steven's lie and Steven tells Max that he will tell her that Max lied for him. Max grabs Steven by the throat and tells him if he does, he will kill him. Jane overhears Max and Fi talking about
3500-490: A heated argument. He then believes she has left Walford until she arrives at Derek's funeral. When Lauren befriends Kirsty, Kirsty gives Lauren a set of keys, which Max finds in her pocket. Tanya later discovers them and assumes that Max and Kirsty are still involved. However, Kirsty eventually agrees to sign the divorce papers and gives them to Max. Max shows Tanya and says Kirsty is leaving, but she realises Max still loves Kirsty believed because he refuses to have sex with her and
3675-419: A hospital appointment, when Tanya said she was given the all-clear from cancer. Kirsty agrees to the divorce, realising she is hurting Max. Max shows Tanya this by saying Kirsty is leaving. Tanya realises Max still loves Kirsty because he refuses to have sex with her and is sad about Kirsty leaving. Max confirms this, so Tanya ejects Max from the house, saying their relationship is over for good, and she celebrates
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#17328017828213850-488: A less than easy start, Max settles back into life on the square. Him and Rainie successfully fool their neighbours and social services whilst moving in with Jack. Rainie worries that Jack's girlfriend, Mel Owen ( Tamzin Outhwaite ) suspects their relationship is fake so they put on a convincing romance, including them passionately kissing. When Max realises that Rainie's kiss was real, he is shocked but she quickly admits it
4025-610: A medicinal pill. Max decides to end the relationship but they reconcile. Max discovers that Ruby slept with Martin and suggests that they have an open relationship that Max struggles to accommodate. Whilst on a boat party, Max learns that Jack has been supporting Lauren with her separation from Peter which leads to Jack punching Max. Max grows jealous when he sees Martin and Ruby growing closer. When he tells Ruby that can't handle seeing her with Martin, Ruby dumps him. After learning that Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ) has bought The Queen Victoria with money that belonged to him, Max locks Ian in
4200-499: A month later, Max, Tanya and their daughters Lauren Branning ( Madeline Duggan until June 2010, Jacqueline Jossa thereafter) and Abi Branning ( Lorna Fitzgerald ) move to Albert Square . Tanya learns about Max's affair with Gemma Clewes ( Natalie J. Robb ), but she gives their marriage one last try. As an apology, Max buys 10 Turpin Road for Tanya to open as a beauty parlour and begins spending time with Bradley. Max thinks Bradley
4375-482: A mother of three, will use her inner determination to deal with what will be one of the toughest challenges of her life. The director of Jo's Cervical Cancer trust Robert Music said that EastEnders must depict the disease accurately and responsibly saying "It's about educating the general public who perhaps aren't aware of the disease, but also with cervical cancer, there are thousands of women out there who have been diagnosed or are living with this." Music of added: "As
4550-426: A nanny most of the time if he went with her, due to Tanya's commitment to the course. Tanya also explains her concerns about Abi's recent troubling behaviour leading to being accused of killing Lucy , and she and Max end up arguing over whether each other are to blame for this. Before leaving, Tanya admits that she was thinking of rebuilding her relationship with Max, but Jane assures her that that would have been one of
4725-539: A one-night stand with Jack but they both agree to never talk about it again the next day, not realising that Jack's daughter Amy had seen them kissing and taken a video. When Rainie decides to leave, Max realises his own feelings for her and stops her at the train station where they agree to enter a real relationship. Just as the Brannings seem to be back on track, Cora discovers from Amy that Rainie slept with Jack and she smugly informs Max. Devastated, Max punches Jack in
4900-617: A pregnancy test on the floor that she threw in the bin. He ends the relationship with Kirsty and tries to convince Tanya to reunite, but she leaves Walford for Lauren's sake, after telling a heartbroken Max she will always love him. Struggling with losing Tanya, Max rebukes Kirsty's pleas for a reconciliation and struggles to look after Abi. Eventually, with Abi's blessing, they reunite, and Kirsty moves into their house. Lauren returns, having left her rehabilitation clinic early, worrying Max. Max's feud with Carl continues, and, determined to get rid of Max so he can win back Kirsty, he purposefully cuts
5075-476: A promise to the killer to protect them. After Stacey tells Lauren that Max is looking after her, Lauren tells Max that she has worked out that Stacey is the killer. Lauren gets a confession from Stacey, Lauren informs Janine Malloy ( Charlie Brooks ) that Stacey killed Archie, and Janine publicly announces that Stacey is a killer, so Max helps her to escape. He drives her to the airport and says he does still love her but she says she only loves Bradley and then leaves
5250-872: A quick return to the square to return Lauren and Abi's letter of apology then leaving again, indicating that he has not forgiven them for letting him go to jail when they knew he was innocent. Max's full return aired on 24 December 2016. In September 2020, it was announced that Wood would be departing from the cast of EastEnders after fifteen years in the role, with Max being written out as part of an "explosive exit". His final scenes were broadcast on 19 February 2021. Max arrives in Walford in June 2006 to confront his father, Jim Branning ( John Bardon ), after being estranged for 17 years, but Jim throws him out and Max meets his son Bradley Branning ( Charlie Clements ), and decides to stay to rebuild their relationship. Max's wife Tanya Branning ( Jo Joyner ) arrives to collect him and
5425-561: A real responsibility. I'm going to make it as honest and true to life as I possibly can. I will grab every chance I can to show Tanya dropping her guard." Speaking of her past, she added:"Tanya remembers her mum looking at her dad with pity and she'd hate that happening to her. Tanya's dad died of cancer and she nursed him through it. She's seen it first hand and therefore has a deep-seated fear of it." Joyner said it's important to keep her cervical cancer storyline as realistic as possible. She said that viewers will see Tanya's appearance change as
Max Branning - Misplaced Pages Continue
5600-606: A relationship with Max's brother Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen ) and Max tries to split them up. Tanya and Max later share a kiss, after Max is abducted and beaten by Jack. Max is knocked down in a deliberate hit-and-run. Tanya admits to the police that she tried to kill Max; however, Lauren was the real culprit. After the police find out Lauren was the driver, Max and Tanya suffer a bumpy relationship, which ends up with Tanya forgiving Max and allowing him to move back in, but when she finds out they are in debt and Max has been hiding it, she leaves with Lauren and Oscar after finding out Booty
5775-407: A sexual relationship with DC Emma Summerhayes ( Anna Acton ), the detective who is investigating Lucy's murder. Emma ends things when Max's rival, Dot's grandson Charlie Cotton ( Declan Bennett ) discovers their relationship and threatens to report it. When Stacey is released after an appeal, Max employs her at the car lot, but she decides to leave when he admits he still has feelings for her and it
5950-558: A sexual relationship with his daughter Lauren's best friend, Lucy Beale ( Hetti Bywater ), which they manage to keep a secret for several weeks. Somebody eventually finds out about Max and Lucy's affair, and e-mails him an image of the pair kissing. Max confronts Lucy, believing it is her trying to blackmail him, but it is revealed it is not. Eventually, Lucy ends her affair with Max due to her new relationship with Lee Carter ( Danny Hatchard ), which infuriates Max. A physical struggle ensues, which ends when Lucy falls over and hits her head on
6125-488: A shout comes for Roxy. The next day, they text and call each other. Tanya then lies to Max that her nurse has recommended she does not have any sex. They are later shocked to discover Lauren has drunk so much she was passed out in the street. Lauren claims her drink was spiked, then says she is old enough to do what she likes after she is grounded. She then decides to move out. Max later has a change of heart and texts Roxy, telling her that nothing more can happen between them. Max
6300-410: A soap opera. She said "It was a massive decision. I said no originally. Playing someone in a soap is a big responsibility. People are very protective of the soap and if you are rubbish you can't get away from it." Also, having worked quietly and successfully in the industry for eight years, Joyner was unsure if she would be comfortable with the level of fame being on EastEnders would bring her. During
6475-406: A table in a heap. Homeless and unemployed, Max is taken in by Jack who discovers his self-harming. The next day, Max is given his desk belongings by Luke from Weyland and Co and after seeing Wilmott-Brown and Fi in a car, he hysterically shouts at them for their betrayal. He then aggressively shouts at Jack until he is slapped by him. Josh gives Lauren the office copy of Max's contract, stating that he
6650-432: A video filmed by Keegan Baker ( Zack Morris ), showing Lauren and Abi falling, so he is released. He goes to the hospital where Tanya initially accepts his comfort but pushes him away when a nurse arrives with news about one of their daughters. The nurse informs them that while Lauren is expected to recover, Abi is brainstem dead and has no chance of regaining consciousness. Abi's baby is delivered via cesarean section . Max
6825-453: A water bottle. Tanya locks Lauren in the house but she escapes through the upstairs window. Later, Lauren gets drunk on a night out and leaves with a stranger; she does not return the next morning. Eventually, when she does come back, her skin and eyes are yellow and she collapses in pain. She is taken to hospital where Tanya and Max are told she is an alcoholic, has alcoholic hepatitis , and one more drink could kill her. The doctor suggests that
7000-401: A while, she needs to come back with a bit more fight about her and have him on his knees a bit." Of her experiences as a mother, she added: "It's fantastic. It's full on but it's just been a whirlwind. I've just been so lucky." On 21 March 2008, Joyner revealed a script in which Tanya would bury Max alive. Speaking of when she first heard about the burial idea, the actress admitted: "I actually
7175-505: A woman claiming to be Max's wife, Kirsty Branning ( Kierston Wareing ), arrives. Max confirms to an angry Tanya that he did marry Kirsty but Derek had told him they were divorced. Kirsty reveals that she was pregnant by Max, but after Max left her to reunite with Tanya, Derek said that Max did not want the child, so she had an abortion. Max did not know about the pregnancy. Max confronts Derek and threatens to kill him for his lies and manipulation and Derek reveals that he always hated Max. Derek
Max Branning - Misplaced Pages Continue
7350-399: Is Charlie Cotton. When a bus crashes into the market, Max organises the rescue of Stacey's husband, Martin Fowler ( James Bye ), from under the bus and is hailed a hero. Later, Max meets Hugo Browning ( Simon Williams ), the chairman of a company called Weyland & Co, and they share a cryptic conversation in which Hugo talks about the development of Walford, to which Max says that the pub
7525-643: Is a British actor, presenter, and rapper. Between 2015 and 2018, he played Vincent Hubbard in the BBC soap opera EastEnders . In 2020, he began portraying the role of Felix Westwood in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks . For his role as Felix, he has been nominated for a TRIC Award and a National Television Award . Blackwood presented the UK version of Singled Out on Channel 5 , and in 1999, he presented his own series, titled The Richard Blackwood Show . He
7700-419: Is a miserable place, which is part of the fun. On 26 June 2011, it was announced by EastEnders that Tanya will feature in a cervical cancer storyline. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said that viewers will see Tanya receive the devastating news that she has cervical cancer. EastEnders has worked closely with experts in the field to ensure that the issue is accurately portrayed. Viewers will see how Tanya,
7875-431: Is against the idea. Tanya allows Rainie and Cora to move in. Tanya and Max plan to reveal their affair, but Tanya finds out that she may have cervical cancer . After discovering this, she breaks up with Max, but he decides to tell the truth to his fiancé, Vanessa Gold ( Zöe Lucker ) who reveals all to Greg. Heartbroken, Greg leaves Walford and when Max realises Tanya does not want to be with him either, he leaves too. Tanya
8050-424: Is all that matters to him and that he will not be straying again. When Tanya discovers that cars at the car lot are being repossessed, she and Max argue, which leads to passion and they have sex for the first time since Tanya's all-clear from cancer. Derek continues to allude to something Max did when he was staying with him. On Oscar's first day at school, Max claims he cannot attend as he is stuck in traffic, but he
8225-709: Is all that matters to him. When Derek discovers that Tanya scared his daughter Alice Branning ( Jasmyn Banks ) away, he threatens to kill Tanya if she does it again. When Tanya discovers that cars at the car lot are being repossessed, she and Max argue, which leads to passion and they have sex for the first time since Tanya's all-clear from cancer. Tanya announces that her divorce from Greg will soon be finalised and proposes to Max. Lauren tells Tanya that Derek stole from Lucy Beale ( Hetti Bywater ) and she confronts him about it. Derek, in response, taunts Tanya about what he and Max did in Manchester . She confronts Max, who says he
8400-459: Is also the father of her baby. When the police come for Bradley two months later, Max helps him and Stacey flee but the police chase him to a rooftop where he stumbles and falls to his death. As Max and Stacey cry, she admits that she killed Archie. Stacey goes missing but Max finds her, and after an emotional confrontation, he takes her home and they agree not to tell anyone about Archie's murder. Max meets Vanessa Gold ( Zöe Lucker ) after she buys
8575-628: Is arrested. However, Lauren admits that she was driving the car and turns herself in to the police. Tanya is released and Lauren goes into care. She is found not guilty of attempted murder but guilty of grievous bodily harm and decides to go home. Max and Tanya start a secret relationship and Tanya later allows Max to move back in. Max gets into debt and starts conning people with false insurance claims , including Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ), Heather Trott ( Cheryl Fergison ), Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ) and Masood Ahmed ( Nitin Ganatra ). However, he
8750-400: Is at Jane's, she calls the police. Max soon realises that Jane is covering for her adoptive son, Bobby Beale (Eliot Carrington), and that Lauren knew, so he disowns Lauren. Max is then arrested while shouting that Bobby killed Lucy, though it is dismissed as an act of desperation. He is sentenced to life imprisonment with a recommendation he should serve at least 21 years. Seven months later,
8925-652: Is attacked by an unknown assailant and left for dead. Mick tells Linda to stay away from him, and, hurt, she goes to stay with Max and the pair have sex. Linda becomes suspicious when Max starts to behave secretively, and it is revealed that Max had disposed of Linda's award from the Lucy Beale Foundation, assuming that Linda had attacked Ian. Max decides to join Lauren and Louie in New Zealand and asks Linda to follow him, but she says no, so he leaves Abi in
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#17328017828219100-443: Is brain-dead and that she will never recover. Tanya avoids being around Max in the hospital and when Abi's life support is due to be withdrawn, Max asks if it can be withdrawn at Abi's time of birth. Cora tells Max that Tanya does not want him present. Max finds Tanya in the hospital's chapel, who is angry with Max that Abi has to die because of him, and agrees to stay away. At the last minute, however, Tanya requests Max to be there when
9275-453: Is controlling her. She then arranges for Lauren to visit Tanya for relationship advice. Later, Tanya agrees to let Max see Oscar for his birthday but Cora turns up instead and tells Max that she has told Tanya all about his work with Weyland & Co. and that she is not allowing Max to see Oscar. Tanya returns on Christmas Day to take Lauren and Abi away from Walford, informing Ian and his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth ), that Lauren
9450-510: Is diagnosed with cervical cancer and tells only Lauren and forbids her from telling anyone else. Greg briefly returns but cannot handle the news that Tanya has cancer and quickly leaves again. Tanya then decides to stop her therapy, but does not tell Lauren about this. Later, Tanya agrees to allow Cora to move back in, after she has been thrown out by Dot Branning ( June Brown ). Tanya's doctor, Yusef Khan ( Ace Bhatti ), later confronts Tanya and asks why she has stopped her treatment. Tanya goes to
9625-408: Is entitled to the money and Weyland always set out to destroy him. He then lets Lauren decide what to do with the contract. Lauren demands the truth from Max, who says he did what he did to get money for his family. Lauren doesn't believe him and reveals the contract and threatens to burn it if he does not tell the truth; however, Max grabs it and destroys it himself, revealing that he doesn't care about
9800-551: Is falling apart. Max visits Tanya but ends up insulting her and she throws him out. As Max is about to leave, Lauren stops him, telling him that Tanya has cervical cancer and they need his help. Max talks to Tanya, and she explains her fears about her condition and reveals that she helped her sick father to die. Max then vows to support Tanya and stays with her along with Derek, although Tanya later throws Derek out. The family manage to enjoy Christmas together as they realise it might be Tanya's last one. When Tanya overhears Derek taunting
9975-414: Is forced out by Max, Jack and Joey and outside, he suffers a heart attack and dies. Max has mixed-emotions over Derek's death, finding it difficult to grieve for his brother. Despite rifts between him and Tanya following Kirsty's reveal, they depart on holiday during the new year after Derek's funeral. On their return, things are relatively healed between them. However, Max passionately embraces Kirsty after
10150-505: Is found out and debt collectors arrive and take his assets. Once the extent of Max's debts, lies and cons become clear, Tanya leaves with Lauren and Oscar but Abi stays. Max sinks into depression and sends Abi to live with her mother. Max and Bradley decide to go into business together and Roxy Mitchell ( Rita Simons ) rents the car lot to them. After Archie Mitchell 's ( Larry Lamb ) murder on Christmas Day 2009, Max discovers that Bradley punched Archie because he raped Stacey, thinking that he
10325-484: Is going to kill him. Ian says that Phil is the real culprit as he bribed the jury, but Max says that Phil is next on his list. Ian tries to escape Max by hitting him over the head with a frying pan, but Max pulls him back inside the house and starts to strangle him, just as Lauren walks in. Lauren stops Max from killing Ian, who tells Phil. Stacey hears from Lauren that Max has tried killing Ian and calms him down, letting him stay with her and Martin. The next morning, Martin
10500-509: Is guilty, and Lauren is the only person who believes he is innocent. On the day of Max's trial, Ian fails to turn up, and Max is released without charge, to Carl's fury. Max then heads to a wasteland with Phil, and it is revealed they have kidnapped Ian. They use Ian as bait to trap Carl, and then let him go, and Phil offers Max the chance to kill Carl. Max declines and returns to his family instead, resuming his relationship with Kirsty. however, Carl soon tells Max that he had sex with Kirsty while he
10675-554: Is hopeful that Abi will recover and does not tell Lauren the truth, but she slaps Max when she finds out. After this, Max obtains a court order to stop Abi's life support being withdrawn and plans to take her to the US for a treatment that will cost £2,000,000, but Dr Harding urges Max to do the dignified thing for Abi as she is already dead and as Abi is not a minor, he has no legal right to take her. Max barricades himself in Abi's hospital room, but
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#173280178282110850-772: Is in love with her cousin, Joey Branning ( David Witts ). Derek blackmails Tanya to keep Lauren and Joey's relationship secret from the rest of the family, and Joey is forced by Derek to end his relationship with Lauren. On Christmas Day, Tanya is stunned when Max's secret wife Kirsty Branning ( Kierston Wareing ) arrives moments before she is due to remarry Max. Max insists he thought they were divorced (Derek had lied to him) and Tanya and Max continue their relationship, but when Tanya finds Kirsty's keys in Max's pocket (given to Lauren by Kirsty), Tanya assumes Kirsty and Max are still involved. She tells Kirsty to sign divorce papers, but Kirsty refuses. Lauren also discovers that Tanya has not attended
11025-428: Is in no way glamorised or glorified, rather we see that when pushed to the edge, Tanya's behaviour becomes out of character, and indeed that it's Tanya herself who ultimately suffers because of her actions. Once again we are sorry that you did not enjoy these episodes." The UK communications regulator Ofcom later found that the episodes depicting the storyline were in breach of the 2005 Broadcasting Code. They contravened
11200-535: Is instead seen posting an envelope full of money through somebody's letterbox. Max and Tanya plan to remarry, and Derek continues to remind Max that "they" want more money. Max gives Derek cash, but does not know that Derek does not pass it on. The day before the wedding, a drunken Lauren angrily tears up Tanya's wedding dress and destroys the cake, then reveals that she was drunk driving when she crashed Derek's car and her cousin Joey Branning ( David Witts ) took
11375-530: Is moving to Glasgow with her boyfriend, Josh Hemmings ( Eddie Eyre ). Tanya goes to collect Abi and confronts Max over his recent behaviour and is disgusted that Max and Stacey have resumed their affair. When Stacey defends Max, Tanya tells Stacey that Jane has told her that he killed Steven and tried to kill Jane. Abi overhears this and tells Lauren. As they prepare to leave, they see Max on the roof of The Queen Vic and Lauren and Abi attempt to talk him down. Max agrees to come down but Lauren and Abi slip and fall off
11550-494: Is next on his list. It is soon revealed that Max works for Weyland & Co, and they are planning to redevelop the Albert Square area. Lauren meets Max's boss, Josh Hemmings ( Eddie Eyre ), and they are attracted to each other, so she decides to apply for a job at Weyland & Co, despite Max telling her not to. Max tells Josh not to employ her but Josh does so anyway. Max convinces Shirley Carter ( Linda Henry ) to sell
11725-498: Is not doing enough. Max gives him cash as a reward for his assistance and takes his mobile phone, telling him not to contact Jack again, threatening him with violence if he refuses. Charlie agrees and Max smashes Charlie's phone. Max seemingly shows an interest in Carmel Kazemi ( Bonnie Langford ), who works at Walford Council's planning department. On their first date, he uses the opportunity to secretly look at her files from
11900-414: Is now dating his younger brother Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen ). Max tries to separate them by attempting to buy the house, seducing Jack's ex-girlfriend Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Womack ), and planning to frame Jack for a crime he did not commit. Jack abducts Max and forces him to stay away, after which Max and Tanya kiss. Later that evening, he is the victim of a hit-and-run which Tanya confesses to and
12075-485: Is now in a relationship with a man named Tim, and that they are planning on getting engaged. In February 2015, Tanya returns to Walford to attend Ian and Jane's wedding, and after the reception, she agrees to sit and have a conversation with Max. During the conversation, she reveals that she is taking part in a fashion course in Manchester and asks Max if Oscar can move in with him for a while, as he would be stuck with
12250-468: Is paramount to Tanya. Max was the love of her life, but his affair with Stacey destroyed their marriage, and nearly destroyed her. Though she's had dalliances with Sean Slater, Jack Branning and even went up the aisle with Greg Jessop, it's Max she always goes back to. Tanya may be one of Walford's most loving mums, but she also has a wild side. So she's wise to any and all of the tricks pulled by her rebellious daughter, Lauren – she pulled them herself when she
12425-482: Is quickly over-powered and Max proceeds to punch him, before their fight is stopped by Lauren. Phil then confronts and beats up Max before brandishing a gun on him, but stops short of killing him when the latter tempts him into firing the gun. Max, having lost everything, goes to the roof of the Vic to jump but is seen by Tanya, Abi and Lauren who were about to leave. Despite Tanya's concerns and objections, Abi and Lauren go to
12600-406: Is relieved when Tanya is given the all-clear from cancer. Tanya is unconvinced however, and remains distant. Tanya's mother, Cora Cross ( Ann Mitchell ) suspects Max of having an affair with Roxy. Max gets Roxy to admit to Cora that she attempted to seduce him, but that he refused her. However, after a frank discussion with Tanya over their marriage and above all sex life Max reassures Tanya that she
12775-927: Is rescued. Max goes to the hospital to see Jane, pretending to be her husband. He calls Jane's mobile and finds it in a drawer, then takes the SIM card out and bins it. Unable to speak, Jane tries to communicate with Sharon through writing but falls unconscious. Max tries to kill Jane by holding down on her breathing tube but stops when Ian walks in. It is revealed that Weyland & Co is owned by James Willmott-Brown ( William Boyde ), and Josh, Fi and Max's former prison cellmate, Luke Browning (Adam Astill), are his children. When Jane awakens from her coma, Max orders her to leave Walford. As Jane and Ian make plans, however, James tells Max that Ian must remain in Walford, so Max threatens Bobby's safety to make Jane leaves alone. James tells Max that he wants access to some sealed bids belonging to
12950-482: Is revealed after he leaves Vanessa, Max goes to Tanya in hope he will be with her. Unknown to him, she has found out she may have cancer and tells him she does not love him. Kicked out by his children, Max decides to leave. Meanwhile, Tanya chases after Max but is too late, and watches as a tearful Max leaves Walford in his car. Jack later reveals that Max is staying with their older brother Derek Branning ( Jamie Foreman ), and he wants to bring Max back as Tanya's family
13125-526: Is sad about Kirsty leaving. Max confirms this, so Tanya ejects Max from the house saying their relationship is over for good, as Kirsty leaves Walford. When Kirsty posts her wedding ring to Max, he tracks her down and finds her being abused by her ex-boyfriend's brother, who beats Max up. Max and Kirsty return to Walford and live together at the B&;B. Kirsty lies to Max that she is pregnant in an attempt to stop him returning to Tanya. Max encourages Kirsty to abort
13300-490: Is stopped by Ben (now played by Max Bowden). However, Max decides to forgive Bobby, who he helps with hallucinations of Lucy and organises a party to celebrate Bobby's conversion to Islam . Max becomes close to Stacey's old friend Ruby Allen ( Louisa Lytton ) and after sleeping together, they begin a relationship. Stacey becomes jealous and warns Max not to hurt Ruby. However, Max cannot cope with Ruby's free spirited character, which leads to him neglecting Abi who almost swallows
13475-503: Is stunned when she refuses, much to the amusement of everyone in the pub. Max is further horrified when James and Luke betray him by burning his contract, revealing that he was being tricked all along. Speechless, Max sits defeated and alone in the Vic until Jack decides to take him home, fearing for Max's safety since his betrayal is now known to most of the square. Carmel's son, Kush Kazemi ( Davood Ghadami ), arrives however and punches Max for his treatment of Carmel, sending him flying over
13650-412: Is talked into letting the hospital staff in when a nurse tells Max about her own son's death and that she never got to say goodbye. When Dr Harding explains what will happen to Max and Lauren, Max asks if the life support can be withdrawn at Abi's time of birth, 8.32pm. Tanya, Cora and Rainie return but Cora tells Max that Tanya does not want him present when the life support is withdrawn. Max finds Tanya in
13825-450: Is to have his wife and children back, adding that "He always makes mistakes, he's easily led and the grass is always greener. He's his own worst enemy." In March 2011, it was revealed that Max and Abi would suffer severe injuries after their car crashes into a lorry on the way to Tanya's wedding to Greg Jessop ( Stefan Booth ), prompting Tanya to flee the wedding to help him. The crash scenes were filmed on 6 March 2011. On 28 May 2015, it
14000-482: Is too good for his girlfriend, Stacey Slater ( Lacey Turner ), and when she gets pregnant, he gives Bradley money for an abortion, telling him a baby will ruin his life. However, the abortion ends the relationship. To hurt Bradley, Stacey makes a move on Max and they have an affair, but Tanya tells Max she is pregnant. He tries to save his marriage despite promising Stacey that he will leave Tanya but when Stacey learns of Tanya's pregnancy, Max takes his family to Spain and
14175-465: Is unconvinced that Max will not come between Stacey and their family, so asks Stacey to get Max to leave, which she does. After asking Lauren and Abi to forgive him and see him on Christmas Day, which they both agree to think about, Max tricks Stacey into returning to her house and tries to convince her there is still a spark between them. Stacey initially resists but gives in and they have sex. On Christmas Day, Max and Stacey both agree to keep quiet about
14350-497: The BBC soap opera EastEnders , played by Jo Joyner . She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. Joyner left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity leave. After a guest appearance, Tanya eventually returned on 27 September 2010. On 1 April 2013, it was announced that Joyner would be departing the role and she made her final appearance on 28 June 2013. Tanya returned in February 2015 for two episodes as part of
14525-858: The Bollywood film Don't Stop Dreaming . In 2005, Blackwood appeared in Princes of Comedii DVD release. In 2010, he played Brightie in the Tennessee Williams play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof , alongside Adrian Lester and James Earl Jones at the Novello Theatre in London. In 2011, he played the role of Donkey in the West End production of Shrek the Musical . The show opened at
14700-579: The Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 14 June 2011. Blackwood appeared with the rest of the Shrek cast on Britain's Got Talent for ITV on 31 May 2011. They performed " I'm a Believer ". On 17 January 2015, it was announced that Blackwood would be joining the cast of EastEnders as character Vincent Hubbard . He made his first appearance on 17 February 2015, and his last appearance aired on 20 April 2018. In 2019, Blackwood took part in
14875-521: The eleventh series of Dancing on Ice , partnered with professional skater Carlotta Edwards . They were eliminated in Week 3, following a skate off against Saira Khan and Mark Hanretty . In 2020, it was announced that he would be joining the cast of the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks . Since joining Hollyoaks , Blackwood has been nominated for a TRIC Award for Soap Actor of the Year, as well as
15050-651: The 2008 British Soap Awards and made the final four in the 'Best Actress' category. Joyner was nominated for the "best actress" award at the All About Soap Awards in 2012 and later won the award. In 2012, Joyner and Wood won the Best On-Screen Partnership category at the British Soap Awards. On Digital Spy's 2012 end of year reader poll, Joyner was nominated for "Best Female Soap Actor" and came fourth with 13.4% of
15225-549: The Beales and the police, but he refuses, and David threatens to tell the police everything. After Max's sister Carol Jackson ( Lindsey Coulson ) collapses and is rushed to hospital, David realises he must protect Max for her so gets rid of all of the evidence of Max and Lucy's fight. Remembering the moving eulogy Max made at Bradley's funeral, Ian turns to him for advice over Lucy's impending funeral. Abi becomes irate when she sees Max supporting Ian and reveals that she knows that he
15400-464: The Best EastEnders characters of all time, writing how he "is notorious for family feuds and flings and brushes with the law" and was "Often topping lists of soap bad boys", as well as calling the 2007 Christmas Day reveal of his affair was Stacey as "one of the soap's best doof doofs". Tanya Branning Tanya Cross (also Branning and Jessop ) is a fictional character from
15575-474: The Carters didn't raise the money for Grafton Hill which is owned by Weyland, meaning that they now own the Vic, with Fi denying that she offered any discount. They also reveal Max's involvement in not only this but the whole of the development scam. Everyone is shocked by Max's actions who is smugly delighted that everything has fallen into place for him. Looking for the icing on the cake, Max proposes to Fi but
15750-547: The Carters' trust. Mick and Linda raise the money. Lauren discovers a scale model of Albert Square showing its development, and confronts Max, who assures her that the developers have pulled out. Max buys an engagement ring for Fi, which Carmel finds and assumes that Max is going to propose to her, so she gathers her friends and family in The Queen Vic. However, Max kisses Fi in front of everyone and Camrel leaves in tears. James and Luke then enter The Queen Vic and reveal that
15925-652: The UK's only charity solely dedicated to informing and supporting women affected by cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer, we think it is fantastic that EastEnders has decided to highlight the issue of cervical cancer." "This is a disease that affects thousands of women and their loved ones in the UK every year, and for many can be preventable by taking proactive steps, such as attending cervical screening when invited." Music added: "EastEnders have gone to great lengths to research this story with us and we hope that by showing this storyline to its millions of viewers, it will not only raise awareness of cervical cancer but also help
16100-503: The Vic, the two have a day in the pub. Max thanks Jack for his recent help. However, Charlie returns to Walford with Matthew and tells Jack that Max caused his injuries and paid him to take Matthew away. Max pleads with Jack to forgive him but Jack disowns Max. He throws him out onto the street and after both Abi and Lauren give him the brush off, Max briefly leaves Walford. Max returns and, angrier than ever, decides to get revenge on Ian and Phil. He surprises Ian in his house, stating that he
16275-468: The affair storyline between Stacey Slater ( Lacey Turner ) and Tanya's husband Max ( Jake Wood ), Joyner did not read any parts of the EastEnders scripts other than her own, as she felt her acting was improved by not knowing what Max did behind Tanya's back, and because she felt that she could better justify to herself why Tanya would not suspect Max of cheating if she in reality did not know what he
16450-532: The affair, he throws her out and she moves in with Max. Vanessa's daughter, Jodie Gold ( Kylie Babbington ), also moves in with Lauren and Abi. Harry takes revenge by throwing a brick through their window, destroying Vanessa's clothes and killing Jodie's cat. Max and Jack threaten Harry, thinking it is over but Jack is kidnapped by orders from Harry, and Max finds him the next day in the boot of his car. Lauren concludes that Max killed Archie, because he has been displaying violent behaviour, but Max tells her that he made
16625-488: The aftermath of her character burying Max alive, saying "I didn't think Tanya would be as mumsy at first. She was quite hard in her past and it would have been fun to have that side come out. Tanya has a really naughty side. When she was young she was a lot like Stacey Slater. That hasn't really come out yet but she definitely has it in her." Joyner temporarily left the show in December 2009 for maternity leave. Her departure
16800-657: The album You'll Love to Hate This (number 35) in 2000. Blackwood was tricked into being interviewed on the satire comedy series Brass Eye in 2001, during the episode " Paedogeddon! ". Blackwood then had acting appearances in Holby City , and played the title character in the 2002 television series Ed Stone Is Dead . During May 2003, Blackwood appeared in Channel 5's Celebrity Detox Camp , which involved him being filmed "pumping 18 litres of coffee solution through his anus into [his] stomach". In March 2007, he acted in
16975-539: The ball business-wise and like a lot of people in the last year or two, he's found it tough going. His inability to show weakness or to share his problems with Tanya has been his downfall. He has to rebuild his life now and his long-term objective is to get Tanya back. Jo Joyner is of course returning to the Square but whether Max gets Tanya back is another thing. I don't know if he's good enough for her." Santer also revealed that some planned storyline material for Max and Tanya
17150-599: The best treatment for Lauren is residential care. Later, Lauren tells her family that she cannot stand her parents' constant arguing, so Tanya decides to take Lauren, Abi and Oscar to Exeter, where Lauren can get help for her alcoholism. Abi refuses to leave, so Tanya leaves Walford with Lauren and Oscar in a taxi, after telling a heartbroken Max she will always love him. Lauren soon returns to Albert Square, but Tanya and Oscar remain in Exeter. In January 2014, Tanya's best friend, Jane Beale ( Laurie Brett ), reveals to Max that Tanya
17325-476: The biggest mistakes of her life. Max is falsely accused of the murder of Lucy in July 2015 and after he is arrested, Oscar is sent back to live with Tanya, who denies Max any contact with his son, although Max is later released after Bobby Beale (Eliot Carrington) confesses to the crime. When Cora visits Walford, she senses that Lauren does not love her fiancé Steven Beale ( Aaron Sidwell ) and questions whether he
17500-403: The blame, manipulated by Derek. She also reveals that she has been having a relationship with Joey. Max and Tanya cancel the wedding, and Max tells Derek that he wants nothing more to do with him after Christmas. Derek takes revenge by contacting the person involved in Max's secret, giving them Max's address. Max surprises Tanya with another wedding dress on Christmas Day, saying they can marry, but
17675-413: The brakes on his car, and crashes it, leaving Phil in a critical condition. He frames Max for cutting the brakes, and forces Ian to become a false witness. Max is arrested and released on bail, until Carl goads him into attacking him, and he is remanded in custody. He then ends his relationship with Kirsty under Carl's instructions, who has threatened to harm Lauren. Carl also forces Max to tell his family he
17850-432: The break-up. She does not cope though, and is nearly drawn back to Max. She decides that to resist temptation she must leave Walford, and Max is deeply disappointed. She returns a few weeks later to find Max, Kirsty, Abi and Lauren having a meal together and laughing. Lauren continues to drink, but Tanya refuses to believe she is addicted until she keeps Lauren in the house and she reveals that she has been sipping vodka from
18025-545: The business back to Phil despite Ben later telling him that Nick Cotton ( John Altman ) was responsible for the crash. After he is banned from Emma's funeral, Max visits Phil in prison to tell him he has taken over ownership of The Arches. Phil swears revenge on Max, and after being released, Phil regains the garage and also takes the car lot from Max. Max struggles with the loss of his business, and stops taking care of himself or paying his bills. Carol discovers this and invites Max to move in with her and rent out his house to pay
18200-595: The cafe and confronts Rainie, who admits to it but tells him that it happened when her and Max weren't properly together. Max decides to forgive them both for the sake of baby Abi and they agree to deny it since Cora doesn't have any proper evidence. However, in the pub, Cora repeatedly insults Rainie to the point where Rainie slaps her, before Cora punches her back. Whilst outside, Max scolds Rainie for her actions and tells her she may well have ruined his case for Abi. Meanwhile, Jack tends to Cora who tells him that contrary to his, Max and Rainie's beliefs, she does have evidence of
18375-513: The cancer plot, saying she can switch off from the emotions instantly. Speaking to the Daily Star , Joyner said that rather than becoming depressed over the scenes, she goes home relieved that it's not her life. She added: "I go home and laugh even more hysterically than I would normally because of what's happening to Tanya. My husband doesn't agree. He thinks I carry it all more than I think I do. He says I come back miserable, but once I've put
18550-487: The car lot, with the intention of gaining custody of Abi's daughter. He also marries Tanya's sister, Rainie Cross ( Tanya Franks ) in order to look like a family man, shocking everyone when she is revealed as his wife. The marriage is a scam and it's revealed he's going pay Rainie when he gains the custody. Phil is furious when he discovers that Max has returned and has one of his former businesses but despite his attempts to con Max, Max fends him off whilst mocking him. Despite
18725-574: The care of Rainie and her husband Stuart Highway ( Ricky Champ ), and leaves the square alone. Several months later, Jack takes Abi to visit Max in France, but returns without Abi, and confirms to Denise Fox ( Diane Parish ) that Max has fled and taken Abi with him. He does not attend his stepmother Dot’s funeral in 2022, and Lauren reveals that they are not on speaking terms since she caught Max sleeping with her best friend. The storyline which saw Tanya bury Max alive prompted 167 viewer complaints, citing
18900-480: The character of Tanya, was invited back to write the Christmas Day episode and Joyner was approached by Ashdown and executive consultant, John Yorke . Joyner was initially nervous about going back due to her mistake in the live episodes, but knew she had to return when the story was pitched to her. The episodes were mainly filmed at night due to Joyner's other work commitments. Joyner then went on to appear in
19075-407: The council. Carmel offers to help him but he changes his mind. However, Fi meets him at Carmel's house, where they have sex. Unbeknownst to Max, Fi then hacks into Carmel's computer and accesses the sealed bids; Carmel is suspended from her job, though is later cleared. Mick and Linda are asked to pay £60,000 for development funds to The Queen Vic, and Max suggests that Fi reduce it to £50,000 to regain
19250-406: The council. When Ian and Jane plan to sell the fish and chip shop, they are shocked to discover the buyer is Weyland & Co. Ian pulls out of the deal, fearing Max's motives. However, Max convinces Ian that he does not have any ulterior motives and he just wants to move on. Max hears that Lauren and her boyfriend Steven Beale ( Aaron Sidwell ) are engaged, despite Steven lying to Lauren that he has
19425-403: The country. Max proposes to Vanessa, and she accepts. They announce their engagement to everyone, but Tanya confronts Max and tells him that she knows that he only proposed to Vanessa to make her jealous. Max and Tanya argue before sleeping together, and they begin an affair, but Lauren discovers this so Tanya decides to end it. However, it continues, despite Tanya marrying Greg. When the affair
19600-494: The episodes broadcast on 19 January 2018 and 16 February 2018 as part of her on-screen daughter Abi Branning 's ( Lorna Fitzgerald ) death and funeral. For her role as Tanya, Joyner was nominated for "Best Newcomer" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards . Joyner won the 'Most Popular Actress' award at the Digital Spy Soap Awards in 2008 for the part of Tanya and also went on to win 'Best Dramatic Performance' at
19775-585: The events of his revenge storyline, Max arranged for Jack to lose custody over his stepson Matthew Mitchell-Cotton ; framed Phil's rival Vincent Hubbard ( Richard Blackwood ) for drug dealing, resulting in his arrest; blackmailed and later caused the death of Ian's stepson Steven; and forced Jane to leave Walford under the threat of having Bobby harmed in prison. The storyline ultimately concluded with Max attempting to commit suicide after his plan for revenge had failed, but this ended with both his daughters Lauren and Abi ( Lorna Fitzgerald ) accidentally falling off
19950-469: The freehold of The Queen Vic to a company called Grafton Hill. He also contacts Charlie, who returns to Walford and tells Jack they need to talk about Matthew. Charlie insists he will seek custody of Matthew and starts a fight with Jack in public; Jack punches Charlie. Max later visits Charlie when discovering the incident likely will not influence the legal case over Matthew, revealing their secret scheming, and says they have to take further actions; soon after,
20125-405: The funeral and visits Abi's daughter during the funeral to register her birth, but at the end of Abi's funeral, Jay allows Max to say his goodbyes and Max delivers his eulogy, prompting Max and Lauren to make amends. Abi is toasted in the Vic, her friends let off white balloons and her daughter is named Abi Branning as Max is determined to do things right. Max returns two months later after buying
20300-484: The help from her new partner Sean Slater ( Robert Kazinsky ), marrying Greg Jessop ( Stefan Booth ), starting an affair with Max on her wedding day to Greg, dealing with her eldest daughter, Lauren Branning 's ( Madeline Duggan / Jacqueline Jossa ) alcoholism, battling cervical cancer , discovering that Max has a secret wife, Kirsty Branning ( Kierston Wareing ) on their second wedding day, witnessing her daughters Lauren and Abi Branning ( Lorna Fitzgerald ) fall from
20475-439: The hospital where she tells her doctor that she wants no more treatment as she does not have the strength to fight, despite the fact she could die. Max returns to Walford with his brother Derek Branning ( Jamie Foreman ). Max insults Tanya, and Tanya throws him out. As Tanya starts to throw her mother and sister out, Lauren reveals that Tanya has cancer and confronts her about stopping her therapy. Tanya then tells Cora and Rainie
20650-450: The hospital's chapel and she is angry with Max that Abi has to die because of him. However, just before Abi's life support is withdrawn, Tanya requests Max to be there. Abi then dies, leaving her family devastated. Max is hurt when he is led to believe that Abi's funeral has taken place, but he discovers it has not and Lauren tells him that none of the family want him present. On the day of the funeral, Max respects Lauren's wishes to not attend
20825-484: The inappropriate nature of the scenes, which aired prior to the 9.00 pm watershed . The BBC responded with the statement: "Whilst we appreciate that these episodes were dramatic, they were carefully filmed and edited in order that Max's ordeal was in the main implicit, rather than explicit, whilst still retaining their powerfulness. It's also important to note that Max made it out alive after Tanya realised she couldn't go through with her plan to leave him for dead. The burial
21000-419: The increasing trauma of losing Abi. When Lauren returns for Dot's funeral in December 2022, she reveals that Tanya has been caring for Cora after she injured her hip, and is upset to miss her funeral. In early reports of the character's arrival, her name was spelt Tania . This was later changed on the official BBC website. Joyner originally turned down the role as she had doubts over whether she could work in
21175-516: The kids in the bath and had a laugh, then I feel good again." On 1 May 2012, it was reported that Joyner would take a prolonged break from the show at the end of her current contract, to spend time with her family, and an inside source stated that she "will definitely return". Joyner confirmed this herself, saying that the break would last six months, similar to other actors who took breaks in 2012, such as June Brown ( Dot Branning ) and Charlie Brooks ( Janine Butcher ). However, on 1 April 2013, it
21350-401: The letter back through the letterbox and quickly leaves in a taxi with Lauren failing to stop him. A week later, Max sends Ian a threatening note, saying he will never forget what he did. Max returns to Walford on Christmas Eve and claims that he has changed, giving up smoking and drinking, but in reality, he has become a dark man. He shakes hands with Ian and Jane, saying he wants to move on from
21525-421: The life support is withdrawn. Before Abi's funeral, Tanya's friends talk about her being unable to attend the funeral as she has had a nervous breakdown. Lauren lies to Max that the funeral has already taken place, but later admits that Tanya does not want him there. On the day of the funeral, Cora shouts at Max, urging him to stay away as he has done enough damage to his family, and mentions that she had to sedate
21700-513: The money and that all he wanted was revenge for everyone who lied or did nothing when he was sent to prison, including his own family. Max rages at Abi, Lauren and Jack who all leave, and he then smashes Jack's family photos. He goes to burn himself, but has no cigarettes left so headbutts a mirror instead. Jack, regretting his decision to abandon Max during his trial, supports him despite Max's rant. He arranges for Oscar to visit Max on his birthday which delights Max. Max convinces Abi to help him bake
21875-526: The mortgage. Desperate for work, Max takes a job at Ian's fish and chip shop. When Ben is arrested for Lucy's murder, Phil manipulates Abi into coming forward about Max's fake alibi to the police. Max is arrested and when Lucy's blood is found on his shoe, from where Jake Stone caused Lucy's nose to bleed on the night she died, he is charged with the murder. He later tells Stacey he knows Abi killed Lucy, and hires Marcus Christie ( Stephen Churchett ) as his solicitor. Despite Jane Beale ( Laurie Brett ) giving him
22050-885: The night before and Max is thrilled when Abi joins him for Christmas dinner, where he feels his grandchild kick for the first time. However, Stacey's phone is posted through the letter box and Max panics when he realises that Jane has left messages for Stacey about what Max did to her and Steven. After seducing Stacey again, he manages to delete them. To his horror, Tanya returns and reveals to Stacey that Max killed Steven and tried to kill Jane, having heard from Jane what Max did. Max desperately tries to deny it but its clear to Stacey that he's lying, and Tanya then tells him that she's taking their daughters away for their own safety. Under pressure from Stacey, Max finally confesses but tells her that he had good reasons. Stacey rejects him, saying he will never change and that she wishes he had died instead of Bradley. Ian attacks Max for what he did to Steven but
22225-689: The one-night stand because Amy took a video. Jack tells Max and Rainie about this and Rainie decides to confront her mother. She enters the Beale's house from the backdoor and Cora mistakes this as her attempting to kidnap baby Abi. Max finds out where Rainie is and finds both her and Cora arguing. When Cora hits Rainie over the back of the head with a frying pan, Max flees with Abi back to his house where he's joined by Stacy. Social services are called and they arrive to take baby Abi from Max, leaving him heartbroken. The next day, however, Rainie blackmails Cora into dropping her application for Abi after threatening to tell
22400-401: The past nine years that we would give him and Jake a break when the opportunity arose. That opportunity has come and it is the perfect time to send Max Branning out with a bang that will send ripples through the Square for the rest of the year until Jake returns." Max left on 1 October 2015 after being wrongly convicted for Lucy Beale's murder . He made a cameo appearance on 9 June 2016, making
22575-531: The past. Lauren is glad to see Max but Abi is not as she is still angry with the way Max treated her during his trial. However, Max begs her to give him a chance and invites Abi, Lauren and Jack to have a drink with him. Abi accepts Max but Jack questions his motives. Stacey finds out that Phil bribed the foreman at Max's trial so that he could be found guilty, so tells Max. Max visits Phil at the hospital, but instead of suffocating Phil as Phil asks him to, Max states that he forgives him. Outside, Max burns his wrist with
22750-468: The plot, Joyner said that she has talked to many survivors of cervical cancer through a charity named Jo's Trust and added that they have a great website, which is very informative and has helped her a lot. Joyner said that it is a privilege to be given any sort of serious storyline and a real responsibility. Asked whether it makes Tanya think twice who she wants to be with, Joyner replied: "Definitely. She remembers her mum looking at her dad with pity [when he
22925-407: The police find Jack and arrest him for assault as Max watches. Jack is accused of badly hurting Charlie, who allowed Max to purposely attack and injure him to frame Jack for serious assault. The charges against Jack are dropped, and Charlie attempts to settle for residence of Matthew and plans to move to Ireland with him. Jack voluntarily gives Charlie residence of Matthew, but Max warns Charlie that he
23100-443: The police that she attacked her. Max receives a call from social services and after persuading Ian and Jack to be present at a meeting, he is given baby Abi to care for. Max is delighted and he later reconciles with Rainie. A year later when Bobby is released, Max is horrified and began a conflict with his family as he can never forgive him for what he has done including his ruined relationship with Lauren and Abi. Max attacks Bobby but
23275-562: The police, and as a result, Abi's behaviour regarding Max and Lucy is revealed to both the police and Lauren. After Emma is hit by a car in the Square, Max takes her to hospital where she dies from a bleed to the brain . Max finds Emma's case notes in his kitchen cupboard and rips them up in front of Carol, and then turns to alcohol to deal with his grief. Thinking Phil was responsible for the crash, he takes revenge by tricking his son Ben ( Harry Reid ) into signing over The Arches to him. When Max discovers Phil has been framed , he refuses to sign
23450-568: The pregnancy, but following another refusal by Tanya to rekindle their relationship, he changes his mind and moves into a new flat with Kirsty. Max and Kirsty's relationship comes under pressure due to the meddling of her ex-fiancé, Carl White ( Daniel Coonan ), and he and Tanya argue because of her refusal to take him back, as well as Lauren's alcoholism. When Lauren tells Max and Tanya she cannot stand their constant arguing, Tanya agrees and decides to take Lauren out of Walford for treatment. Max later finds out about Kirsty's fake pregnancy after finding
23625-437: The public to be more informed about this issue." Ellen Lang of Macmillan Cancer Support said that cervical cancer is diagnosed in thousands of women every year in the UK, so EastEnders is congratulated for tackling this difficult subject that affects many people. Jo Joyner said that she will make sure that the storyline will be "honest and true to life" as possible. Talking to All About Soap about how she has researched
23800-554: The redevelopment plan, which Max is using as revenge against those who wronged him in the past. Jane confronts Max in Ian's restaurant and at the same time, a gas explosion occurs on the Square so Max leaves Jane alone at the restaurant. Max confronts Steven at The Vic and orders him to kill Jane so she does not tell anyone. Steven sets fire to the restaurant with Jane inside and leaves her there, telling her this would not have happened if she had not let Max go to prison. Max and Steven go back to
23975-421: The restaurant and Max orders Steven to kill her. Steven refuses to allow her to die so Max angrily shoves him and forces him to leave. Max confronts Jane and tells her that while he was in prison, all he could think about was revenge on everyone who turned their back on him. He opens a hatch to allow the fire to spread to Jane and leaves, lying that he could not find Jane. Steven later dies from his injuries but Jane
24150-524: The roof from The Queen Victoria public house when they attempted to stop their father; Lauren survived the fall whilst Abi died. A couple of months later in 2018, Max married Tanya's sister Rainie in his bid to help win his custody case over Abi's daughter. Jake Wood was cast in the role of Max in January 2006. At the time, little was known of the character, who was to move in with Jim ( John Bardon ) and Dot Branning ( June Brown ). Wood commented: "I'm
24325-507: The roof of The Queen Victoria public house and subsequently dealing with Abi's death, which leads to her mental breakdown. Tanya arrives in Albert Square after her husband Max Branning 's ( Jake Wood ) car breaks down, not realising in fact Max is visiting his family. She finds out he had an affair with Gemma Clewes ( Natalie J. Robb ) but forgives him. To make it up to her, Max buys 10 Turpin Road for Tanya, which she turns into
24500-406: The roof to try to talk him down. Max shouts at them to leave but after they both say they love him, he agrees to come down. Before they can get down, however, Lauren slips on the wet ledge and falls, taking Abi with her. They survive the fall but are taken to hospital in a critical condition. Max tells a police officer that it is his fault, so he is arrested on suspicion of GBH. However, they receive
24675-503: The roof. Tanya accompanies them to the hospital, where Lauren undergoes surgery whilst Abi has a CT scan. Tanya initially accepts Max's comfort but then pushes him away. They are then told that Abi has suffered critical brain damage and remains in a coma. Tanya is devastated and leaves the hospital in tears. A few days later, she plans to visit Lauren and Abi with Cora, but Cora comes alone and slaps Max, blaming him for his daughters' injuries. She later apologises to Max before learning that Abi
24850-528: The rules regarding protection of children by appropriate scheduling, appropriate depiction of violence before the 9pm watershed and appropriate depiction of potentially offensive content. Following Max's appearance in a single episode in 2016, a reporter writing for the Inside Soap Yearbook 2017 (released in November 2016) expressed their disappointment at "one glimpse" of Max, adding that it
25025-524: The serial on 28 June. In December 2014 it was announced that Tanya would return in February 2015 for a few episodes, for Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ) and Jane Beale ’s ( Laurie Brett ) wedding and for the show's 30th anniversary . Tanya appears in the episode broadcast on 18 and 19 February. The episodes were shown live, and Joyner accidentally referred to Ian by his actor's name. Joyner made an unannounced return on 25 December 2017 as part of Jossa and Fitzgerald's departures. Simon Ashdown , who created
25200-503: The series, saying that Max is motivated to be a better father to his children than his own father was to him, and that Max has done nothing that would be out of character. In May 2009, Wood said he hoped his character would get back with his wife, Tanya ( Jo Joyner ), saying: "He believes Tanya still loves him. I think she does too." Later in 2009, Max gets into debt and tries to con various Walford residents. On conning single mother Heather Trott ( Cheryl Fergison ), Wood said "Max has got
25375-523: The show after which he took a temporary four-month break from the show in August 2011, which Wood said was down to the fact that after five years of playing Max, he was tired and "needed a break". Wood returned to filming after signing another two-year contract, and Max returned with his older brother Derek Branning ( Jamie Foreman ) in November. Wood has described Max as "damaged", with a troubled upbringing, and uses this backstory to justify Max's actions in
25550-405: The show's 30th anniversary celebrations. She later reprised the role again in 2017 for four episodes, appearing between 25 December 2017 and 16 February 2018. Tanya's storylines have included opening her own salon, giving birth to her third child, discovering her husband Max Branning ( Jake Wood ) had an affair with Stacey Slater ( Lacey Turner ) before divorcing and then burying him alive with
25725-454: The storyline progresses. Asked whether Tanya will start to look ill, Joyner said to Soaplife : "I'd like her to and I made a point of saying, 'Unless we ever see Tanya looking tired these references are going to be rubbish', because she's keeping up the pretence and putting on lots of make-up. But I've had my extensions out and the false lashes are coming off. It will be a slow decline." Joyner later said that she does not become depressed over
25900-521: The time it was unconfirmed whether they would actually marry, meaning that the couple's future would hang in the balance until the time of broadcast. Digital Spy reported that Tanya would flee the wedding to help Max and Abi when they are hurt in a serious accident, though they said that Tanya and Greg may have already exchanged vows. Joyner revealed to What's on TV that she thinks that happy storylines are boring and that EastEnders needs depressing storylines to be dramatic. She added that Walford
26075-409: The toughest challenges of her life. Music said that Joyner was "fantastic" when visiting the charity. He added that she was "really hungry to learn, to understand what the impact was, and she felt a responsibility to get this right" Joyner stated that she "feels grateful" to be in a cervical cancer storyline. She told Soaplife magazine: "It's a privilege to be given any sort of serious storyline and
26250-423: The true murderer was later revealed to be her younger half-brother Bobby (Eliot Carrington). After his release from prison, Max became the show's central antagonist as he sought revenge against Ian and Phil along with everyone else – including his own family – who saw him wrongfully imprisoned, by conspiring with James Willmott-Brown ( William Boyde ) in his nefarious scheme to redevelop Albert Square. Throughout
26425-483: The truth about Ava: that she is alive, and Cora gave her up for adoption, so Tanya secretly tracks down Ava to her place of work, a school in Dalston . Tanya is shocked that Ava is mixed-race, and decides not to see her again. Tanya leaves her purse behind and Ava returns it, meeting Cora. Cora is shocked when Ava says her name, and is angry at Tanya, disowning her. Lauren is involved in a car crash and tells Tanya that she
26600-474: The truth about Bobby emerges and he is charged with Lucy's murder. Lauren and Abi attempt to visit Max in prison, but they find out that he has refused to see either of them. Max has a court hearing for his release, which Abi is reluctant to attend so Lauren writes Max a letter for Stacey to pass on, but Stacey misses Max at the court and hands it to his solicitor. Lauren and Abi wait for Max in The Queen Vic but he does not arrive, and when Lauren goes home, Max posts
26775-433: The truth about how her father died: he did not die peacefully as they believed, but was in constant pain and so Tanya helped him to die. Max then reconciles with Tanya and they become a couple again. She learns that she has been given the all-clear from cancer but is worried that it might return. She finds it difficult to be close to Max, but after a frank discussion over their marriage and sex life, Max reassures Tanya that she
26950-400: The vote. The character has been pivotal in the transformation of EastEnders . Christmas Day 2007 saw Tanya discover husband Max and stepdaughter-in-law Stacey's affair and was watched by 14.3 million viewers, making it the highest rated EastEnders episode in three years and the highest rated television broadcast of 2007. In March 2008 viewers watched Tanya bury husband Max alive. This
27125-535: The walk-in freezer there and threatens him. After developing a friendship during lockdown, Max supports Linda Carter ( Kellie Bright ) when he catches her having a drink, despite battling an alcohol addiction. Linda's friend Sharon Watts ( Letitia Dean ) tells Max to leave Linda alone, but after a heart to heart, Max and Linda kiss. A guilty Linda tells Mick, who angrily warns Max off. However, Linda's marriage continues to fall apart as Mick pushes her away, and she and Max kiss again. Max uses Linda as an alibi after Ian
27300-476: The years, and I have worked with some wonderful people during my time on the show which I will always be very grateful for, but I feel that as a mother and an actress it is time for me to explore some other avenues for a while." Executive Producer Lorraine Newman stated that whilst Tanya will be missed, her exit will bring a new era to the Branning family but refused to say how Tanya will leave the show. Joyner filmed her final scenes on 15 May 2013, and Tanya departed
27475-529: Was "not good enough". Wood has received a number of award nominations for his portrayal of Max. Wood was nominated for "Best Actor" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards . Also in 2007, he was nominated for Best Newcomer at the TV Quick and TV Choice Awards, and Best Soap Actor the following year and in 2010. In 2008 and 2009, he was nominated for Best Actor at the Inside Soap Awards , Also in 2009 he
27650-667: Was a mistake. Donna Yates ( Lisa Hammond ), who was Abi's friend, tries to stop Rainie and Max getting custody of the baby, but Rainie admits to Donna that she wants to bring up the baby because she cannot have children of her own due to her former drug use. Cora also returns and offers Rainie a job in Exeter and a chance to bring up Abi with her and Tanya, but Rainie reveals Cora's £50,000 bribe to social services. Rainie searches for houses so she and Max can bring up Abi on their own, and Max thanks her, asking what she will do once she receives her pay-off. This leaves Rainie upset as she secretly wants to stay with Max and Abi. Feeling lonely, she has
27825-626: Was also a presenter on Top of the Pops and the MTV television show, MTV Select with Donna Air . In 2000, Blackwood had a number three single on the UK Singles Chart with the song "Mama Who Da Man", based on Mama Used to Say by his uncle Junior Giscombe . He later followed it up with two singles, "1.2.3.4 Get with the Wicked" (number 10) and "Someone There for Me" (number 23) and released
28000-452: Was announced that Joyner's departure would be indefinite as she wished to try new career paths. Speaking of this, Joyner said, "I love playing Tanya and being part of such a great show, but she has been on quite a rollercoaster over the past seven years and I have come to realise that it's right for her to step away from Walford for a bit longer than originally planned. I have been very fortunate to have been part of some fantastic storylines over
28175-454: Was announced that Wood had decided to take a year-long hiatus from EastEnders. Of this decision, Wood said, "I have been at EastEnders for nine years and I feel the time is right to give Max a break—but it won't be for too long as I shall be back next year to see Max face another chapter of drama." Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: "When I returned to EastEnders , both Jake and I agreed that Max has been through so much over
28350-425: Was facilitated through a storyline in which Max hid financial problems from the family and Tanya left him. The show's executive producer Diederick Santer revealed that some planned storyline material for Max and Tanya was put on hold until Joyner's return from maternity leave. On 6 May 2010, Joyner filmed a single episode that was broadcast on 23 June, and she made her full-time return on 27 September 2010. Family
28525-444: Was getting up to. "I have to say actually, I do prefer playing a sort of tarty, nasty bitch, because quite frankly it's more fun. I do love playing Tanya, but it is very different to the roles I had before EastEnders. I'd like to see a bit more of her feisty side." —Jo Joyner In a July 2008 interview with The Sunday People , Joyner revealed that she was disappointed that Tanya's wild child past had not been explored more in
28700-499: Was ill] and she'd hate that happening to her. She has some serious thinking to do about her future now." Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust has praised EastEnders for helping spread the awareness of cervical cancer. The trust received extra calls following Tanya's diagnosis. Kirkwood said in a news release that EastEnders worked closely with experts to ensure that the issue is accurately portrayed and that viewers will see how Tanya will use her inner determination to deal with what will be one of
28875-503: Was in prison, leading to Max ending his relationship with her. Several months later, Kirsty leaves Walford for good. Max is stunned when Stacey's cousin, Kat Moon ( Jessie Wallace ), spots Stacey from a bus in London. He helps track Stacey down, but decides he cannot be involved when he realises he may still have feelings for Stacey. Stacey later turns to Max for help, but they end up in a passionate kiss, and Stacey later leaves Walford with Lily to stay with her mother Jean. Max later starts
29050-727: Was involved in criminal dealings causing someone to get hurt. He then accepts her proposal from earlier and they get engaged. Tanya discovers a birth certificate for a sister called Ava Anderton ( Clare Perkins ). She confronts Cora, who refuses to talk about it, but eventually tells Tanya that Ava died not long after her birth and it hurt so much she never told anyone, not even the father. Tanya then tells Cora that she can talk to her any time. When Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ) goes missing, Tanya helps to bring him back to Walford, which makes her decide she wants Rainie at her wedding, but Cora lies to her that Rainie does not want to attend, when in fact Rainie does not want to see Cora. Patrick tells Tanya
29225-720: Was nominated for "Best Male Soap Actor" and came third with 15.2% of the vote. In August 2017, Wood was longlisted for Best Actor and Best Bad Boy at the Inside Soap Awards, while the revelation that Max is in a secret relationship with Fi was longlisted for Best Shock Twist. Wood made the shortlist in the Best Bad Boy category, although lost out to Connor McIntyre, who portrays Pat Phelan in Coronation Street . In 2020, Sara Wallis and Ian Hyland from The Daily Mirror placed Max 16th on their ranked list of
29400-697: Was nominated for Best Actor at The British Soap Awards . In 2010, he was nominated in the Outstanding Serial Drama Performance category at the National Television Awards , but was not shortlisted, and in February 2011, Wood was nominated for Best Actor in the Soap Bubble Awards for his portrayal of Max. In 2012, Wood and Joyner won the Best On-Screen Partnership category at the British Soap Awards. On Digital Spy's 2012 end of year reader poll, Wood
29575-414: Was put on hold until Tanya's return from maternity leave. In March 2010, a new love interest for Max was announced, Vanessa Gold , played by Zöe Lucker . A spokesperson for the show said that "[Max and Vanessa] are both volatile and explosive characters and their meeting will be like putting a lit match next to a barrel [of] gunpowder." Wood said that Max is weak when it comes to women, although his desire
29750-531: Was really upset! I heard about the theory and I thought 'how are you going to get me there? She's not a killer!" "I did always say to Diederick [Santer] when this happened that as far as I was concerned, the only way she can kill Max is when she finds out on Christmas Eve in a blind fit of rage – that's the only time when she could be a murderer." In February 2011, it was announced that filming had started on location for Greg and Tanya's wedding in April 2011. However, at
29925-488: Was sleeping with Lucy and was the person that sent him the email of him and Lucy together. Abi's boyfriend Jay Brown ( Jamie Borthwick ) witnesses the confrontation between them and tells Phil, who in turn reveals the truth to a horrified Ian. At the funeral, Ian attacks Max when he sees him carrying Lucy's coffin and later Phil and Alfie Moon ( Shane Richie ) visit him and tell him that he is no longer welcome in any of Ian or Phil's businesses or The Queen Vic. Max then begins
30100-536: Was the most watched EastEnders episode of 2008 and the episode received 116 complaints from viewers. The UK communications regulator Ofcom later found that the episodes depicting the storyline were in breach of the 2005 Broadcasting Code. They contravened the rules regarding protection of children by appropriate scheduling, appropriate depiction of violence before the 9 p.m. watershed and appropriate depiction of potentially offensive content. Richard Blackwood Richard Clifford Blackwood (born 15 May 1972)
30275-403: Was the same age. In an interview with Digital Spy , Joyner admitted that she prefers playing a "feisty" character and would like to explore that side of Tanya. Joyner confirmed that she wants sparks to fly between her character and estranged husband Max. She added: "I hope it comes out. I think she's been a little bit calm and a little bit mumsy lately and I think if she's been away from Max for
30450-437: Was those feelings that drove him to have the affair with Lucy. Stacey then encourages him to get back in touch with Emma, and she and Max resume their relationship. He impresses Emma's parents when they visit but when Emma wants to end their relationship because of the pressures of the case, Max makes an anonymous call to the police which starts an investigation into Emma's misconduct. Max is angry when Emma gives Lauren's laptop to
30625-504: Was to close down, with daughter Abi Branning ( Lorna Fitzgerald ) refusing to go with Tanya and staying with Max. Tanya returns to Walford with her new fiancé Greg Jessop ( Stefan Booth ). Tanya's mother, Cora Cross ( Ann Mitchell ), and Rainie arrive in Walford for her wedding, much to Tanya's dismay. Greg and Tanya marry, and Tanya soon starts an affair with Max. Greg later buys the beauty salon from Roxy Mitchell ( Rita Simons ) and later pushes Tanya to have another baby, though Tanya
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