EastEnders Favourite Jake Wood To Say Goodbye To Albert Square

He’s one of the most popular characters on the Square but it has been revealed this week that Jake Wood, who plays Max Branning, will be leaving EastEnders. According to reports, the actor, who has been with the soap for nearly a decade, is taking time out to pursue other projects and may return to the show in 12 months’ time. “I’ve been at EastEnders for nine years and I feel the time is right to give Max a break,” he told The Sun. “But it won’t be for too long as I shall be back to see Max face another chapter of drama,” he added, though it was later reported that it could be over a year before he returns to our screens. “Max has had an interesting year, he fell in love and then he lost the love of his life,” Jake continued. “He then lost the car lot and the Arches. He’s down on his luck at the moment and that is interesting to play when Max is not flying so high, desperate and drinking whiskey.”