EastEnders spoilers: Max returns, resident attacked and a surprise wedding

Weeks after Jake Wood's surprise return to the soap, Max Branning will finally be making his way back to Walford next week.

Although we knew months ago that Max would be making his return, fans were left in shock when it was revealed he had connections to Zoe Slater. Next week, he's back to find her, and of course, he's bumping into familiar faces along the way.

Stacey's torn on whether to leave for Brazil, but whether she leaves or not, it won't be before reuniting with former flame Max Branning...

The week starts with Stacey trying to convince Lily to move to Brazil, but she’s adamant she and Charli are staying in Walford.

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Jean and Mo are adamant to change Stacey's mind, and it looks like it works at the start of the week, as she heads to her leaving drinks at The Albert and announces she's staying.

Later in the week, it's the return of all returns, asMax Branning makes his shock entrance - and Stacey and Zoe are left stunned.

Kat warns Zoe off Max after spotting the pair talking, but it’s clear Max’s attention is on Stacey, and he follows her back to No.31. But what happens next?

It remains a secret, but what we do know is that despite saying she was staying in Walford earlier in the week, Zoe and Lily later convince Stacey to move to Brazil and she finally relents. But is this the final goodbye for Stacey?

However, Stacey and Zoe aren't the only drama Max is involved in as Peter and the family put plans in place for Lauren’s surprise wedding - but will it go ahead?

Lauren and Penny head to the Vic and after casting doubt on Lauren’s relationship, they're both as stunned as each other when they arrive and discover The Vic is set for a wedding as Peter asks Lauren to marry him.

The couple later prepare to marry in front of their family and friends but will Lauren go through with it? Well, she gets the shock of her life when her dad Max arrives...

Once again, there's even more drama for Max as Cindy is left reeling as she heads to the Vic to confront him about killing her son Stephen Stephen. But how will things go down?

Elsewhere, there's danger for Okie, Ravi and Harry as it becomes apparent that their last drug run had repercussions for another gang.

Harry later notices notices a gang watching the flat and decides to ignore it in the hope that a raid will steer Ravi and Okie away from the using the flat.

However, things then take a dark turn when Kojo discovers that Okie has been attacked...

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,and Threads.