EastEnders started the new year off with a bang last night, with an explosive (and confusing) flashforward taking place in 2027. The episode followed Max Branning exactly one year on from present day, teasing all the drama that will unfold over the next 12 months.

After a predictably disastrous Christmas, Max ended 2025 vowing to change his ways in order to become a better father. However, the flashforward proved he didn’t quite stick to his New Year’s resolution, as viewers soon learnt of his various scandals.

The special episode provided a tantalising glimpse at the future of the Square, including some new characters and relationship dynamics. But viewers will have to wait to see how things play out, as next week’s episodes will revert back to 2026.

Starting from Monday (5 January), the soap will return to its regular schedule, with new instalments airing from 7.30pm. The episodes will also continue to be released early on iPlayer at 6am, ahead of the TV broadcast.

In upcoming scenes, Max tries to make good on his recent promise to his loved ones, after choosing to stick around in Walford. But will he be able to earn back their trust?

Things originally seemed to be going well for Max during the flashforward. The episode began on his wedding day and he woke up to a supportive radio shoutout from his kids Oscar and Lauren.

However, true to form, it was then revealed that the pregnant woman Max was sharing a bed with was not actually his future wife. While the identities of both women were kept hidden, the episode was peppered with hints about who the bride could be.

Elsewhere, Max’s relationships with his family were clearly not as strong as he’d hoped. Though he appeared to be on speaking terms with his children, the distrust between him and Lauren was obvious, and his fractured relationship with Jack seemed to be at an all-time low.

But the biggest question on everybody’s mind was whose murder did Max supposedly facilitate? The episode saw his flat being surrounded by police, before he was handed in by Lauren and taken to the station.

Max was questioned about soliciting the murder of an unknown person, but was later released without charge. After leaving the station, Max was contacted by another mystery figure who had kidnapped Lauren and Oscar, and he was asked to decide who should live.

Is Max set to lose yet another child?