Jake Wood since EastEnders - casting 'chaos', rival soap hint and Max rumours
As loyal viewers will no doubt know, EastEnders legend Max Branning left Albert Square for a new life in Croatia back in 2021, but fans have never stopped hoping that he might make a dramatic re-entrance. With rumours swirling about a potential return, many fans have been wondering what actor Jake Wood has been up to in the years since, and whether his life is anywhere near as tumultuous as that of his onscreen counterpart.
It would appear however that the 51-year-old couldn't be more different from ladies' man Max, whose affair with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was revealed during that infamous 2007 Christmas special.
Many fans believe the iconic soap character could soon make a return (BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)Career since EastEnders
Earlier this year, Jake reprised his role of Ben in the critically acclaimed supernatural theatre production 2:22 A Ghost Story. He was called in to replace actor Hugo Chegwin who fell ill last minute, leading to casting chaos before its official opening night. In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Jake warmly praised co-star Cheryl's West End debut performance, hailing her the Girls Aloud singer as "fearless". He continued: "It's quite remarkable to see someone who has never acted before come on stage at the West End, she is in the spotlight, with all that pressure. It's quite amazing how resilient she is, really. And she is giving amazing performances, people are blown away by how good she is.”
Jake was among the original cast members of 2:22 A Ghost Story when it first opened in the summer of 2021, with his performance earning him the What's On Stage Award for Best Supporting Actor. During an appearance on Loose Women earlier this year, Jake remarked that he would be for a return to soap acting but appeared to be more interested in rival show Coronation Street.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
No doubt dismaying many EastEnders fans, Jake proceeded to hint: "If they asked me if I would do another soap, then I would - when I was a young actor, I did a lot of northern parts. Yeah, people used to think I was from Manchester when I was younger - I love Corrie, so if they're listening, give me a call."
Solid marriage
Max is known for his lengthy string of complicated relationships, and difficulties keeping to one woman at a time, while Jake remains positively smitten with his loving wife of over 20 years, Alison Wood. The couple met back in 2001, when Jake was just 23, and have been by each other's side ever since.
In 2017, the happy couple decided to celebrate their enduring love for each other by renewing their wedding vows in a festival-themed ceremony, surrounded by loved ones and, of course, plenty of fellow soap stars. Opening up about the secret to their successful marriage, Jake told OK! Magazine: "We obviously love each other a lot but also we've always wanted the same things. You've got to work hard at it and you've got to talk. Alison's taught me that."
He added: "We always have a date night once a week when we just hang out, catch up and talk. It's a chance for us to check in with one another to make sure we're still on track." On August 11, Jake shared a sweet black and white couple's snap via Instagram, alongside the caption: "Wedding anniversary today, 22 years married to this incredible woman. We've had so much fun over the years, plenty more to come. Luckiest man."
Happy family life
Life in the Branning household was certainly eventful, with poor Max even having to suffer through being buried alive in a coffin by vengeful wife Tanya (Jo Joyner). Luckily, Jake's family life away from the ups and downs of Walford appears to be much more harmonious. Jake and Alison live in Hertfordshire with their teenage children Amber and Buster, and their two adorable dogs, Buddy and Chip. Sharing an Instagram pic of daughter Amber to mark her 18th birthday, the proud dad wrote: "Happy birthday you amazing human being - we are so proud of the kind, caring and effortlessly cool and stylish person that you are - you keep being you Amber we love you."
Potential return to EastEnders
The EastEnders rumour mill has been going into overdrive recently, with many fans convinced Max will make a comeback following the recent dramatic return of Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). Many believe Cindy could well want to take revenge for her son Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell), who died due to injuries inflicted by Max.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
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