Overview

• Special episodes this week used flashbacks to unveil new facets of Zoe Slater’s past and an unexpected prior connection with Max Branning.
• Executive producer Ben Wadey says the twist was intentional to put the Brannings and Slaters at the center of the show’s next phase.
• Jake Wood describes the Max–Zoe relationship as genuine and confirms a brief stint before his full-time return later in the year.
• A key paternity question remains unresolved, with Radio Times reporting Max is ruled out by the established timeline as fans continue to speculate.
• Coverage notes continuity debates and calls for legacy returns such as Tanya, while producers tease plenty more drama to come.