EastEnders legend Jake Wood, who played Max Branning on the BBC One soap from 2006 until 2021, has made his epic return to the soap
Jake Wood has finally made his long-awaited return to EastEnders after four long years.
The actor, 53, who plays Albert Square’s biggest womaniser – Max Branning – has made an epic and unexpected return as viewers finally discovered who it Max behind the mysterious phonecalls being made to Zoe Slater following her recent return and reunion with estranged mum, Kat Slater.
When he left the BBC soap, Jake’s final scenes aired in February 2021, although it was previously announced in September 2020 that he would depart after 15 years on the show. Jake first appeared on Albert Square way back in 2006 when his character Max arrived with wife Tanya and their two daughters Lauren and Abbey.
Now that Jake has finally made his comeback to Walford, we take a look at his personal life behind-the-scenes when the cameras stop rolling.
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Marital bliss
Jake’s character Max is known for his lengthy string of complicated relationships, and difficulties keeping to one woman at a time.
However, the actor himself remains positively smitten with his loving wife of over 22 -ears, Alison Wood. The couple met back in 2001, when Jake was just 23, and have been by each other’s side ever since.
In 2017, the happy couple decided to celebrate their enduring love for each other by renewing their wedding vows in a festival-themed ceremony, surrounded by loved ones and, of course, plenty of fellow soap stars.
Opening up about the secret to their successful marriage, Jake told OK! Magazine: “We obviously love each other a lot but also we’ve always wanted the same things. You’ve got to work hard at it and you’ve got to talk. Alison’s taught me that.”
He added: “We always have a date night once a week when we just hang out, catch up and talk. It’s a chance for us to check in with one another to make sure we’re still on track.”
Jake shared a sweet black and white couple’s snap via Instagram, alongside the caption: “Wedding anniversary today, 22 years married to this incredible woman. We’ve had so much fun over the years, plenty more to come. Luckiest man.”
Family life
Life in the Branning household was certainly eventful, with poor Max even having to suffer through being buried alive in a coffin by vengeful wife Tanya (Jo Joyner).
Luckily, Jake’s family life away from the ups and downs of Walford appears to be much more harmonious. Jake and Alison live in Hertfordshire with their teenage children Amber and Buster, and their two adorable dogs, Buddy and Chip.
Sharing an Instagram pic of daughter Amber to mark her 18th birthday, the proud dad wrote: “Happy birthday you amazing human being – we are so proud of the kind, caring and effortlessly cool and stylish person that you are – you keep being you Amber we love you.”
Jake regularly shares family updates with his wife and children, and just a couple of weeks ago, the actor posted a series of snaps from their summer of fun which included wholesome family hikes, BBQ’s, and karaoke nights.
Incredible talent
While Jake has won many an award for his incredible acting skills, the soap star also has another amazing talent up his sleeve.
In an unexpected turn of events, Jake revealed his incredible artwork and his amazing creative talent after leaving EastEnders.
The actor made his debut in the art world at a gallery soft launch in St Albans in March 2025, displaying his artwork and offering signed prints. His first original piece, titled ‘CHILL WINSTON’, was purchased by actor Ray Winstone.
Millionaire status
Jake earned himself an impressive £1m the year after leaving the popular BBC soap.
The Max Branning actor managed to boost his bank balance without appearing on television – with the actor raking it in thanks to stints on the stage and some lucrative audio projects.
Jake quit EastEnders in 2020, explaining at the time that he was excited “to see what new horizons are around the corner.” And after his final scenes aired in early 2021, the popular actor kept himself busy – with his new projects proving to be financially beneficial.
After departing Albert Square, he launched a well-liked podcast, showed off his acting skills in the spine-chilling West End play called 2:22: A Ghost Story, and even bagged roles in Christmas pantomimes.
The company Jake runs with his business partner showed in 2024 that they had cash savings of over £200,000 in 2022. They also paid a hefty Corporation Tax bill of £169,151. This suggests Jake made about £1m that year! But there wasn’t any champagne flowing to celebrate as Jake gave up drinking 22 years ago.
Sobriety milestone
In 2023 Jake shared an update on his sobriety milestone. On New Year’s Day, he said: “I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey.”
He also sent a supportive message to others going through the same thing, saying: “If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love and strength and a happy and healthy 2024.”
Holiday horror
Back in 2019, Jake opened up about his holiday horror when his wife was almost eaten alive by an alligator.
The EastEnders star was on holiday with his wife Alison and their children Buster and Amber when they came face-to-face with the terrifying creature. The soap star said he was on a boat in the Florida Everglades with his family when Alison decided to jump into the water, only to be confronted by the horrifying beast.
Jake, Buster and Amber were left looking on in horror as the alligator began heading for Alison. They screamed for her to climb back into the boat as their trip almost turned into tragedy.
Opening up about the horrific scare at the time, Jake revealed: “I almost lost my wife to an alligator in Florida.” He said when he first saw the alligator it was 15 feet away from his wife, but that he panicked when he saw it suddenly coming towards her.
“So I’m looking at it and thinking, ‘It’s got to be a log or something. Got to be a log’. All of a sudden it f***ing goes down and I f***ing see an eye. All the kids are screaming, I’m screaming, ‘Get back in the boat’.
“As soon as an alligator goes underwater you don’t know where it is, it was horrible. It was only about 15 feet away.”
Jake said he and his loved ones only realised how lucky they had been when they returned to the shop they’d hired the boat from and shared their story.
A shocked staff member told them he’d never go in the water, describing the alligator they’d encountered as a “maneater”. The terrifying incident took place in 2014, but Jake says it’s something that will always stay with his children.
“Good story,” he added. “Although it did scar the kids for life.” Jake admitted just thinking about the encounter now makes him “squiffy”.
Career since EastEnders
In 2023, Jake reprised his role of Ben in the critically acclaimed supernatural theatre production 2:22 A Ghost Story. He was called in to replace actor Hugo Chegwin who fell ill last minute, leading to casting chaos before its official opening night.
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Jake warmly praised co-star Cheryl’s West End debut performance, hailing her the Girls Aloud singer as “fearless”.
He continued: “It’s quite remarkable to see someone who has never acted before come on stage at the West End, she is in the spotlight, with all that pressure. It’s quite amazing how resilient she is, really. And she is giving amazing performances, people are blown away by how good she is.”
Jake was among the original cast members of 2:22 A Ghost Story when it first opened in the summer of 2021, with his performance earning him the What’s On Stage Award for Best Supporting Actor. During an appearance on Loose Women in 2023, Jake remarked that he would be for a return to soap acting but appeared to be more interested in rival show Coronation Street.
No doubt dismaying many EastEnders fans, Jake proceeded to hint: “If they asked me if I would do another soap, then I would – when I was a young actor, I did a lot of northern parts. Yeah, people used to think I was from Manchester when I was younger – I love Corrie, so if they’re listening, give me a call.”
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