EastEnders‘ New Year’s Day episode is set to jump an entire year into the future for Max Branning’s iconic return to Albert Square.

Bosses of the long-running BBC soap have decided to flash forward a full episode to New Year’s Day 2027, and the 30-minute special will centre on Max, played by Jake Wood, 53.

For the first time in the show’s history, EastEnders will air the entire flash forward episode, offering viewers a ‘unique glimpse into the drama that is set to unfold in 2026 and beyond.’

The episode will take place on New Year’s Day 2027, exactly a year from the present day, as Max finds himself in a situation with major consequences not just for himself, but also for his family.

In typical Branning fashion, Max will be at the heart of the drama, and with multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously, 2026 promises to hold many secrets and a whole heap of trouble that will be hard for anyone to talk their way out of.

Ben Wadey, EastEnders Executive Producer, told The Sun: ‘For the first time in the show’s history, we’re going to be offering our viewers an entire flash forward episode set on New Year’s Day 2027.

‘2026 is going to be full of drama in Walford, especially for the Brannings, and the episode is sure to raise plenty of questions on how Max has got himself and his family into such predicaments, but all is not what it seems, so stay tuned for 2026 to find out how and why…’

The soap has used flash forwards before, most notably for The Six storyline, which gave viewers a hint about Christmas in February.

That episode saw Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) murdered by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), with the crime covered up by other characters.

However, EastEnders isn’t the only BBC soap to experiment with flashforward episodes.

In 2020, Hollyoaks aired a year-long New Year flashforward, though plans were disrupted mid-year when an actor had to be recast, and the COVID-19 pandemic caused major filming delays.

It comes after Jake confirmed that he will be reprising his role as Max Branning earlier this year. 

The British actor, who last appeared on screen in February 2021, said at the time that he is ‘over the moon to be coming home to Walford’.

He said: ‘I’m over the moon to be coming home to Walford. Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy.

‘I’m excited to see what he’s been up to, and what is next for the character, but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.’

During his first stint on the soap, Jake became a fan favourite amongst viewers, with his character Max being at the heart of several huge storylines.

The 2007 Christmas Day episode, in which it was revealed that Max had an affair with his daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), has become known as one of the most chaotic festive specials ever.

Speaking on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Jake said his return to the show was ‘quite emotional’ and felt ‘like a very warm hug’.

He said: ‘I just felt like it was the right time. I spoke to so many people there, they’re just loving being there at the moment.

‘I had a meeting with the new executive, Ben Wadey, back in January, and we went for lunch, and he just sort of outlined all of his ideas.

He continued: ‘There’s just so many characters that Max has got drama with, so it felt like the right time to go back and mix things up a bit.’

EastEnders executive producer Ben said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome the immensely talented Jake Wood back to the role of Max Branning.

‘Whilst his character has only been away from Albert Square for four years, Walford, and the lives of those who live in it, have changed immensely.

‘Max has a lot of unfinished business, but whether he is welcomed by his family remains to be seen.

‘However, with a past as chequered as Max’s, it’s fair to say that many Walford residents will not be pleased to see him, putting the Brannings back at the heart of the square, and the drama, this year.’

Jake left EastEnders on February 19, 2021, bringing an end to a long 15-year run on the show.

His character Max left Albert Square after burning bridges with many of his family and friends, and he joined his daughter Lauren and grandson Louie in New Zealand.

However, since Jake’s final scenes aired in early 2021, he has certainly been keeping himself busy as he launched a podcast and starred in the West End show 2:22: A Ghost Story.