'EastEnders': Is Max hiding a secret?
Published Jan 5 2012, 16:58 GMT | By Daniel Kilkelly
EastEnders' Max Branning has been at the centre of some speculation on our forum in recent days after intriguing remarks made by his brother Derek in Pat's death episode.After Derek (Jamie Foreman) angered Tanya (Jo Joyner) by taunting Pat on her deathbed, Max felt compelled to take her side - until his bad boy sibling issued him with a subtle warning.
Derek said: "Never choose a woman over your brother, Max. Remember I know things about you. Your little mistakes - things you don't want her indoors to know about. Or am I wrong?"
Immediately afterwards, Max's tone towards Derek changed and he backed down - seemingly scared of what Derek could potentially reveal to Tanya.
Could Derek have been referring to something that happened long ago, or was he talking about the time that Max spent away from the Square after Tanya rejected him last year?
© BBC
© BBC
You may remember that when Digital Spy asked Jake Wood about Max's time away in our interview back in November, he replied: "You get to hear bits and pieces [about what went on], but I think me and Jamie know a bit more about the backstory than what's explained on screen. So there's things they've been getting up to which might come out later, but isn't explored just yet.
"Essentially, Derek has just come out of prison and the two brothers have found each other again. It's been good for Derek to see Max again at this time, and it's the same for Max as he was at a bit of a loose end when he left the Square.
"The two of them have been getting up to no good - we know that much. Derek is the biggest, baddest Branning brother yet, so they've been getting up to some dodgy activities. There's some really good stuff coming up for the Brannings."
Could this be the hold that Derek has over Max? And if Max is hiding something, how long will he be able to keep it from Tanya?
> Read all the latest EastEnders spoilers and news
What do you think Max's secret could be? Or was Derek's warning just a throwaway line? Share your theory using the usual box below!
He'd have to go through Jack first if he wanted to do that lol
February 21st 2012 at 4:02pm
You need to get out more :o)
January 7th 2012 at 11:33pm
Perhaps Max has found a Lauren that can act! And he's planning on swapping them, along with Ben, Abby, Kat and Alfie! Now that would be worth tuning in for!
January 7th 2012 at 10:45pm
I cannot take the derrick Branning character seriously as the whole script and the acting makes me think of pantomime dame or ugly sister. The character is no more than a caricature of how the writers believe the east end of London used to be during the sixties. It really annoys me that they(the writers) keep trying to re-invent the old style east end which no longer exists.There may well be some scum lurking among the streets these days but none such as this poorly drawn excuse whose invention is down to the other pantomime dame Phil wanting 6 months off this year.
January 7th 2012 at 8:44pm
i find max n tanya have great on screen chemistry.it feels like max wud do anythin4tanya-he really loves her&i love jake,think hes a great actor.each2their own i guess.
January 7th 2012 at 4:30pm