Overview

• Jake Wood will reprise his role as Max Branning after a four-year absence, returning to Albert Square later this year.
• Oscar Branning is due back for the first time since 2017 with Pierre Moullier stepping in for Charlee Hall in the teenage recasting.
• Insiders say Moullier’s resemblance to a young Jake Wood offers a seamless update that is expected to energize upcoming storylines.
• Lacey Turner has confirmed an indefinite exit from EastEnders, bringing her run as Stacey Slater to a close.
• The cast shake-up coincides with EastEnders’ 40th anniversary, which will also feature special cameos and major plot twists.