“Just take my hand, Dad! Please don’t do this!”

Our Christmas cracker

Max was suicidal after his dirty dealings with Weyland & Co and the truth about his role in the fire that killed Steven Beale were revealed. His family had disowned him, while Stacey – who’d been close to running away with him – rejected Max too.

Festive fireworks

Convinced that he had nothing left to live for, Max took to the roof of the Vic and prepared to jump – mirroring what happened to his son, Bradley. Daughters Lauren and Abi spotted him, rushed to the roof and begged him to get down. But after they climbed to the edge to take his hand, Lauren slipped, and the sisters toppled off!

Not just for Christmas

Lauren made a full recovery, but Abi was left brainstem- dead by the accident. The family held her as she slipped away, though not before her baby – named Abi by Max – was delivered by caesarean. Max and his new wife Rainie now take care of the child.