Tanya Branning in EastEnders
Is Tanya coming back? And is it for Max? (Picture: BBC)

With Max Branning back in Walford and the Branning family once again causing chaos on Albert Square, fans are naturally wondering, could Tanya Branning be next?

The question was put directly to EastEnders boss Ben Wadey in a recent interview alongside cast members Jake Wood (Max Branning), Scott Maslen (Jack Branning), and Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren Branning). And while no official return has been confirmed for Jo Joyner’s iconic character, the teasing hints from the team suggest that the door might not be as firmly closed as it seems.

‘We’ve just given you Max and Zoe!’ Ben joked when asked about Tanya’s return.

Max and Zoe chat in a bar in EastEnders
Zoe’s comeback brings fresh trauma, and a new connection to the Brannings (Picture: BBC)

Indeed, EastEnders has delivered some major comebacks this year, not only with Max’s dramatic reappearance but also the emotional return of Zoe Slater, who’s been at the centre of one of the show’s darkest storylines in recent months.

Zoe’s return has been far from peaceful. After surviving a shooting, she’s been struggling to find her footing back in Walford, despite support from the Slaters. And with secrets slowly unravelling, it’s been revealed that Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati were involved in the incident, the result of a violent tussle over a gun that went terribly wrong.

Zoe’s trauma has only deepened with local gossip and press coverage of the shooting, potentially putting her in even more danger. As she struggles to stay grounded, the Branning family are finding themselves more entangled in the fallout.

Max Branning on the phone in EastEnders
Max is back and will he live up to his legacy of chaos when it comes to romance (Picture: BBC)

It’s no surprise, then, that fans are looking toward a full-scale Branning family revival, and that includes Tanya, the no-nonsense matriarch who always brought a mix of heart and strength to the family unit.

While Ben played coy, Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren) added fuel to the fire, cheekily admitting:

‘I’ve been texting…’

She stopped short of saying more, but it’s clear she’s been in touch with Jo Joyner, likely encouraging her to consider a return.

Scott Maslen, ever the joker, added:

‘We need a bit of naughty Max first. She can come and sort him out.’

Max and Stacey's affair is revealed! Christmas 2007 was an absolute corker of an episode that will be forever imprinted on our memories, as it was the year Max and Stacey's torrid affair finally came out into the open. For those who have forgotten (HOW COULD YOU?), the horrible truth came out when little Lauren reluctantly gave Bradley a copy of his wedding video for Christmas? although it turned out she'd actually caught Max and Stacey snogging each other's faces off on camera, much to the horror of the extended Branning family and, in fact, the rest of the nation. Credit: BBC
The Brannings and the Slaters have a lot of history… (Picture: BBC)

There’s no denying Tanya’s unique ability to keep Max in line, and with Max back to his old ways, there’s certainly a story to be told.

Jake Wood also reflected on what it was like stepping away from Max and what brought him back.

‘It died down, to be honest,’ he shared when asked if he ever truly said goodbye to Max Branning.
‘I did some work in the National and in the West End. I reacquainted myself with my family. Everyone who has ever worked on a soap will tell you how intense it is.’

Jake explained that while he appreciated having time away, the character of Max never fully left him.

‘I was always really grateful that the door was left open, but it had to feel like the right time. My kids aren’t at home anymore, they’re at uni, so I have more time on my hands in that sense. I’m really grateful I had that time with them, but I was always excited about the prospect of coming back one day. There’s always been a lot of warmth and love for Max Branning.’

And with that warmth comes plenty of history, and drama.

With EastEnders marking 40 years, it’s the perfect moment to mine those layered relationships and reintroduce some familiar faces to set off the next wave of drama.

Zoe hugs Mo in the Queen Vic hallway in EastEnders
Zoe’s return has already shook up Walford (Picture: BBC)

Scott Maslen summed it up perfectly:

‘There are so many options, and that’s the beauty of 40 years of the show. Characters are so strong and can be brought back.’

So will Tanya return? For now, it’s still up in the air. But with Max back, Lauren on the Square, Jack more central than ever, and Zoe deeply connected to it all, the time could be right.

Whether Tanya reappears to settle old scores or rebuild bridges, one thing’s for sure, the Brannings are back, and EastEnders isn’t holding back.

Stay tuned… because in Walford, no one stays away forever.

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