Why Jake Wood really left EastEnders as Max Branning returns after four years

It was a shock night inEastEnders last night, as Jake Wood reprised his role as Max Branning after four years away from the Square - but why did he leave?

Last night, fans were left in shock following the bombshell cliff hanger, which revealed Max had been the one calling Zoe. Tonight, the soap are set to reveal the backstory behind the pair meeting.

Jake Wood joined the Square as Max Branning in 2006, with Zoe Slater leaving in 2005. Therefore, they didn't cross pass on screen, but the early release iPlayer episode for tonight reveals they met in a bar just a year ago, as we discover the backstory.

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Max Branning said farewell to the soap in 2021, after realising there was nothing left on the Square for him anymore. Prior to his exit, Max had been having an affair with Linda Carter, and they share daughter Annie, although he's still unaware of this.

However, Linda returned to her husband Mick's side and the affair was exposed, with Max heading off to New Zealand to be with his daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and her son Louie. However, it was later revealed that Max and Lauren had lost touch as she revealed he had slept with her best friend.

Now, we know why his character left, but why did Jake Wood leave? The star left to pursue other acting projects, although he later said fans may never see him on screen again.

Breaking his silence on Instagram when it was revealed he'd be leaving the show in 2020, Jake penned: "After 15 years I will be leaving Eastenders at the end of this year.

"I have loved playing Max Branning who amongst other things in that time has had 4 marriages, 10 affairs, 4 children (2 dying from falling from the roof of The Queen Vic), been buried alive, watched unwanted DVDs at Xmas and perhaps most traumatising of all...shared a hot tub with Ian Beale.

"I have made some truly great friends whilst on the show and I’ll miss everyone there. I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what new horizons are around the corner.

"Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages this week, I appreciate the love and support."

However, speaking ahead of his exit, Jake admitted he may never be seen on screen again.

Asked what was next for him, he told What's On TV: "Just homeschooling. No one might ever offer me a job again. This might be the last time you see me on screen. I might just slip off and open a shop somewhere. Or become a farmer. I quite fancy that."

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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