Overview
- BBC One will air a New Year’s Day episode that jumps one year ahead to 2027, centring on Max Branning preparing to marry.
- The latest iPlayer instalment confirmed Max’s Christmas hookup with Cindy Beale and an explosive christening confrontation where Cindy slapped him and Peter Beale punched him.
- Max also learned he fathered Annie with Linda Carter years ago and that relatives concealed the truth from him.
- Producers teased the 2027 storyline with an ultrasound image, a Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy, a blood-stained suit and a gloved hand aiming a gun, signalling a gunshot incident to come.
- Ian Beale tried to pay Max to leave Walford, Max refused and later shared a flirty exchange with Nicola Mitchell, fuelling fan speculation about the bride as cast members say they do not know who it is.