EastEnders bosses have announced that Jake Wood will be leaving the soap after 15 years playing his character Max Branning.
Here’s everything you need to know…
Show bosses made the decision after coming up with a dramatic new storyline which will see Max depart from the Square.
Speaking about Max’s exit, an insider said: “Sometimes in soapland big characters have to leave.
“Bosses are staying tight lipped about what they have planned for Max but considering he has played a major part in the show for over fifteen years they are clearly planning something big and he will not be departing Walford quietly.”
Executive producer Jon Sen added in a statement: “Jake is a truly wonderful actor and EastEnders have been extremely lucky to have him for so long.
“We have a big storyline for Max that starts in the coming weeks and we are all very excited to see that play out.”
EastEnders are keeping shtum about Max’s new mystery exit plot, but it could have something to do with Ian Beale’s latest dodgy stunt after he used Max’s money to buy the Vic for Sharon.
The soap’s executive producer Jon Sen insisted a dramatic exit is planned for the character.
Jon said: “Jake is a truly wonderful actor and EastEnders have been extremely lucky to have him for so long. We have a big storyline for Max that starts in the coming weeks and we are all very excited to see that play out.”
Fans will be thrilled to discover that the door is being left open for Max’s return one day, with his character not exiting the soap in a bodybag.
Talking about his exit from the show Jake said: ‘I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends.
“I’ll of course miss everyone there but I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds.”
Jake is yet to speak out about what he’s going to try his hand at next.
But it has been claimed that the actor could be taking part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Bookies Ladbrokes make him 3-1 to take part in this winter’s jungle show, which will unfold at Gwrych Castle in Wales instead of Down Under.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “With his time on the Square coming to an end, we reckon I’m A Celeb chiefs could be about to snap him up.”
