OK so Jake Wood WILL be leaving EastEnders. But he’s been our lovable rogue since 2006 we hear you exclaim?!
Don’t worry, he WILL be returning, he’s just taking a year-long break away from the show.
The 42-year-old is planning on pursuing some other projects before he comes back to the BBC1 soap. Phew.
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Speaking on his break Jake said: “I have been at EastEnders for 9 years and I feel the time is right to give Max a break but it won’t be for too long as I shall be back next year to see Max face another chapter of drama.”
Before his departure – in typical Max fashion – there will be a heap of drama. But again, stop. There you go panicking again. Yes, he is departing, but he’s already re-signed his contract to be back next year.
Jake’s been involved in some of Easties biggest moments, most notably when Max had an affair with Stacey, his daughter in law.
And his latest love interest is the glamorous Karin, played by Walford’s newcomer Denise Van Outen.
Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer said: “When I returned to EastEnders both Jake and I agreed that Max has been through so much over the past 9 years that we would give both him and Jake a break when the opportunity arose.
“That opportunity has come and it is the perfect time to send Max Branning out with a bang that will send ripples through the Square for the rest of the year until Jake returns.”
This is totally Ross and Rachel all over again. But this time we’re definitely ‘on a break’.