EastEnders has wrapped up 2025 by setting up the New Year’s Day flashforward special with yet more drama for the recently-returned Max Branning. After causing a ruckus at the christening with the revelation of his hook-up with Cindy Beale and his fight with Peter Beale, not to mention his attempt to come onto Linda Carter, he’s not exactly anyone’s favourite person at the moment.

Max is determine to start the year off in people’s good books, and approaches Oscar with the offer of treating both him and Lauren to lunch with a side of apologies.

“Just maybe don’t tell her you’re meeting me,” Max added, and Oscar replied: “An ambush? What could possibly go wrong?”

Despite his concerns, Oscar agreed to the plan and managed to convince Lauren to go to The Vic for what she thought was a sibling catch-up.

When she turned up, Lauren wasn’t happy to see she had been duped. She begrudgingly sat down, but gave Max a strict 10 minute time limit.

Max opened up about how he repeats his “toxic” and “self-destructive” patterns that end up hurting everyone around him, and that he wants to stop.

“I’m determined,” he insisted, but the moment was interrupted by Elaine Peacock, who revealed that he recently spent the night “getting smashed and trying to bed my daughter. Hands all over her. She feels defiled.”

Max was adamant that his kids are the most important thing in his life, but the damage was done, and both Lauren and Oscar walked out on him.

Ian tried to extend an olive branch as Max walked through the market swigging booze, stating that he knew what it was like to be alone at this time of year.

But Ian revealed his true motive, and offered Max money to leave Walford for good.

Later on, Max packed his bags and left the hotel, telling Linda to say goodbye to Annie for him.

But before he could leave the Square, Linda caught up to him outside and told him that he shouldn’t give up and run away, and that she believes he can change. After mulling it over, he went over to Harry’s Barn. returned Ian’s money and told everyone that he was going to stay and fight for his family.

“2026 is the year I’m gonna become a proper dad,” he said, before addressing Lauren directly: “This time next year, you’re gonna be proud of me.”

As the episode ended, the sign on the Vic changed to ‘Happy New Year 2027’, signalling the start of the flashback episode, but what exactly does the soap have in store for him?