EastEnders fans are convinced they know who Max Branning will marry in the flash-forward episode and it’s not who you think

EastEnders’ notorious womaniser Max Branning, portrayed by Jake Wood, is gearing up to say “I do” for the fifth time, and viewers reckon they’ve sussed out who the bride-to-be is.

Max recently made his comeback to Walford and is set to walk down the aisle once again on New Year’s Day 2027.

In an audacious flash-forward episode of the enduring soap, due to air on BBC One on New Year’s Day, the storyline will leap a year ahead to centre on Max’s wedding day, offering fans a sneak peek into his tumultuous future.

A released image of Max in a suit, complete with a white flower and blood stains, suggests that the rogue is ready for his fifth trip to the altar.

Max has previously exchanged vows with Rachel Branning, mother to his eldest son Bradley, and Tanya, mum to his children Lauren, Abi and Oscar, reports OK!

His third attempt at marital bliss was a secret wedding to Kirsty in 2012, revealed after the fact, followed by a marriage of convenience to Rainie Cross.

In Tuesday’s episode of the BBC One soap (December 30), available on BBC iPlayer, Max managed to disrupt Jimmy Beale’s christening by turning up uninvited.

Inside the church, Max and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) had an awkward encounter following their Christmas Day tryst.

Cindy was furious when she found out her mystery man was none other than Max, given his involvement in the death of her Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell) and his affair with her late daughter, Lucy (Hetti Bywater).

A dramatic confrontation quickly unfolded with Peter Beale (Thomas Law) landing a punch on Max before he retaliated, leaving his son-in-law nursing a bloody nose.

Later in the episode, Max made his way to Harry’s Barn, where he encountered Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), and sparks seemed to fly between them.

Despite Max discovering that he fathered Annie Carter during his fleeting relationship with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and his one-night stand with Cindy, some EastEnders fans are convinced he will tie the knot with Nicola.

On X, one viewer commented: “Max Branning x Nicola Mitchell is delicious. This is the energy we need for 2026 #EastEnders.”

Another exclaimed: “Max meeting Nicola in Harry’s Barn with Amy Winehouse’s Love is a Losing Game playing in the background. Is this a hint of things to come? Is the much-vaunted EE flash-forward going to be Max marrying Nicola? Dear God, please, noooooooo! Yikes! #EastEnders.”

A third noted: “Now Max is trying with Nicola #EastEnders”, while another added: “Max and Nicola omg #EastEnders.”

“How I am feeling since Max could end up being the dad of Nicola unborn child. #EastEnders”, shared one viewer as another chimed in: “Max and Nicola #EastEnders.”