In the episode, resident lothario Max Branning (Jake Wood) returned to keep vigil at his son Oscar’s (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) hospital bed after his heroic dash to save Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) from the burning No. 25.

As he returned for the second time this year, Max attempted to make things right with children, Oscar, and Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and talk soon turned to his granddaughter, Abi Junior.

 

 

This led to Max bringing up his ex-wife and Oscar and Lauren’s mum, Tanya Branning, who was previously a main staple on Albert Square.

He expressed: “I was going to bring AJ, but you know she is staying with Tanya just while I’m here.”

Later on in the episode, he was seen ignoring a call from his ex, which led to an argument with Lauren about AJ’s living arrangements.

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He told Lauren: “I’m back now, I’m going to be there for all of you,” as she shot back: “Like you have been there for AJ?

“I know she ain’t been living with you dad, because unlike you, I actually speak to mum. So you can drop all of this redemption arc stuff.”

Following the episode, BBC One viewers are convinced that actress Jo Joyner is all set to reprise her role as Tanya on the show.

Taking to X, one fan commented: “Tanya mention. Her return with AJ looms… #EastEnders @bbceastenders.”

 

 

Yet another penned: “So, they’re bringing Tanya Back? #Eastenders.”

While a fifth said: “I need Ben Wadey to do whatever is necessary to drag Jo Joyner back to Albert Square.

“The Brannings are back and Tanya is the key player missing. Let her run Fox & Hair with Denise #EastEnders.”

Tanya was last seen on-screen when she returned briefly over Christmas 2017 for her daughter Abi’s death storyline, with her final appearance airing on 16 February 2018.

Last month, Jo sparked speculation that she would be making her return to the soap with cryptic social media post.

The star shared a selfie to her stories wearing a bright blonde wig almost identical to the hair that her character Tanya wears in the soap.

She captioned the pic: “Am I missing being blonde ….?” adding: “#wig”

It was revealed last month that bosses at the BBC soap have decided to flashforward an entire episode for a full year on this New Year’s Day.

For the first time in the show’s history, EastEnders is set to air an entire flashforward episode which they say will “offer viewers a unique glimpse into the drama that is set to unfold in 2026 and beyond.”

The episode will be 30 minutes long and will of course focus on the character of Max.

It will show New Year’s Day 2027 – exactly a year on from present day as he finds himself in a situation which will have huge consequences for not only himself, but also his family.