Mystery as EastEnders legend Max leaves soap
Jake bows out of Albert Square after 15 years
JAKE Wood is leaving EastEnders after 15 years playing womanising rogue Max Branning.
Bosses are understood to have not offered the fan favourite, 48, a new deal – and insiders say he will exit in an “explosive” storyline.
Jake has taken breaks from the hit BBC soap before, including a year-long gap in 2015 to spend more time with his family.
But even though his character will not be killed off, this time it sounds like it could be the final curtain.
Jake said: “I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends. I’ll miss everyone there but I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and excited to see what the next chapter holds.” But mystery surrounded the exact reason for the star’s exit last night. Senior show sources said they had decided not to offer him a new contract, effectively axing him at the end of this year. Since EastEnders returned last week, fans have seen Max embroiled in a feud with Ian Beale, after he cheated him out of his share of the proceeds from selling Walford East.
Jake’s highlights on the show include the 2017 Christmas Special, when his affair with daughter-in-law Stacey (Lacey Turner) was revealed.
Executive producer Jon Sen said: “Jake is a wonderful actor and EastEnders has been lucky to have him for so long. We have a big storyline for Max that starts in the coming weeks.”
A source added: “Bosses are staying tight-lipped but considering what a major part he has played since he joined in 2006, he won’t go quietly.”
Jake will now have more time to spend with wife Alison and their children Buster, 12, and Amber, 15.