EastEnders’ notorious womaniser Max Branning is gearing up to walk down the aisle for the fifth time, amidst whispers of a clandestine affair.

Max, played by Jake Wood, recently made his comeback to Walford and is slated to say ‘I do’ on New Year’s Day 2027. In a bold flash-forward episode aired on January 1, viewers were given a glimpse of Max’s wedding day.

However, in a twist, he was seen waking up next to an expectant woman mere hours before his wedding, hinting at an illicit affair. The identities of both his bride-to-be and the pregnant woman remain shrouded in mystery.

On Tuesday (January 13), newcomer Bea Pollard, played by Ronni Ancona, found herself increasingly attracted to Max as she settled into life at the Peacock Palace.

She was thrilled about her upcoming date with him, which had been arranged after her friend Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright, suggested they go shopping together.

Despite initial tension between Max and Linda due to a secret surrounding their daughter’s paternity, the exes appear to be on good terms, even sharing a coffee at the local café, according to reports.

During their catch-up, Max confessed that he didn’t harbour romantic feelings for Bea but felt sympathy for Linda’s old schoolmate and wanted to lend a hand.

Nonetheless, Max agreed to meet Bea for a drink, mainly to keep Linda happy. Upon arriving at the bar, a nervous Bea was convinced she was on a date with Max, who attempted to clarify the situation before making a swift exit.

Left alone, Bea couldn’t hide her disappointment, her face betraying a flicker of annoyance as Max departed.

EastEnders viewers are now certain that Max and Linda will reignite their relationship, whilst Bea will develop an unhealthy fixation on Max before falling pregnant with his child.

Bea made her debut on the BBC drama last week during Linda’s school reunion encounter, where she controversially suggested Linda had been a tormentor during their educational years – could she be plotting retribution?

On X, one viewer predicted: “Ok I’m calling it now. Max marries Linda and gets Bea preggers #EastEnders”, whilst another speculated: “It’s early but I think it’s Bea in the bed and Linda is the bride #EastEnders.”

A third fan theorised: “I’m guessing Bea Pollard is the woman in bed with Max in the flash forward episode, Linda’s the bride, Bea sleeps with Max to get revenge on Linda for her bullying her in school #EastEnders.”

“Wouldn’t be surprised if Bea gets revenge on Max on New Year’s Day! She looked humiliated when she found out Linda asked Max to spend time with her #EastEnders”, one watcher observed.

“Bea is either the one that Max is to marry, or the one he’s in bed with on the day he gets taken by the police… is it too early to call it? #EastEnders”, another proposed.