However, one person who remains absent but is often mentioned is Max’s ex-wife and the mother of Lauren and Oscar, Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner).
Originally appearing as a regular character from 2006 to 2013, Tanya was last seen struggling outside the funeral of her and Max’s youngest daughter, Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald), during a guest appearance in 2018.
Tanya has been mentioned recently as she’s washed her hands of troubled son Oscar, while Max revealed in flashbacks to Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) that their granddaughter Abi Branning Jr. is staying with her now.
Of course, Joyner remains a very busy actress and is often on our screens, but could we dare to hope for a return for the beloved Tanya?
” alt=”A promo image in front of the Walford East tube station set consisting of smiling, from left to right, Pierre Moullier, Jacqueline Jossa, Ben Wadey, Jake Wood, and Scott Maslen for EastEnders.” classes=””] ” alt=”A promo image in front of the Walford East tube station set consisting of smiling, from left to right, Pierre Moullier, Jacqueline Jossa, Ben Wadey, Jake Wood, and Scott Maslen for EastEnders.” classes=””] Executive producer Ben Wadey (centre) stands between the Branning family, consisting of Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier, far left), Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa, second from left), Max Branning (Jake Wood, second from right), and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen, far right). BBC Pictures/Jack Barnes
Speaking at a press event on the set of the soap, executive producer Ben Wadey remained full of praise for Joyner but did note there was already an embarrassment of riches in the cast.
Responding to my question on a potential Tanya return, Wadey laughed: “We’ve just given you Max and Zoe!”
He did continue: “Yeah, I mean, Jo’s amazing, isn’t she? We’ve also got an amazing cast with brilliant performances that deserve and need stories…”
Max already has a complicated romance with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Actor Scott Maslen then humorously interjected: “We need a bit of naughty Max first, don’t we? Yeah, we need him back for a while and let her come and sort him out.”
So, we’re not letting our hope of a Tanya comeback die just yet!
There’s certainly enough drama on the way for Walford in the meantime…
Read more:
Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.
Add EastEnders to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.