![\"Tanya](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/AD_2844112-2203.jpg\")
\n\t\tIs Tanya coming back? And is it for Max? (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tIs Tanya coming back? And is it for Max? (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n
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?<\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019s iconic character, the teasing hints from the team suggest that the door might not be as firmly closed as it seems.<\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019ve just given you Max and Zoe!<\/a>\u2019 Ben joked when asked about Tanya\u2019s return.<\/p>\n \t\t Indeed, EastEnders has delivered some major comebacks this year, not only with Max\u2019s dramatic reappearance <\/a>but also the emotional return of Zoe Slater<\/a>, who\u2019s been at the centre of one of the show\u2019s darkest storylines in recent months.<\/p>\n Zoe\u2019s return has been far from peaceful. After surviving a shooting, she\u2019s been struggling to find her footing back in Walford, despite support from the Slaters. And with secrets slowly unravelling, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Zoe\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \t\t It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n While Ben played coy, Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren) added fuel to the fire, cheekily admitting:<\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019ve been texting\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n She stopped short of saying more, but it\u2019s clear she\u2019s been in touch with Jo Joyner, likely encouraging her to consider a return.<\/p>\n Scott Maslen, ever the joker, added:<\/p>\n \u2018We need a bit of naughty Max first. She can come and sort him out.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t There\u2019s no denying Tanya\u2019s unique ability to keep Max in line, and with Max back to his old ways, there\u2019s certainly a story to be told.<\/p>\n Jake Wood also reflected on what it was like stepping away from Max and what brought him back.<\/p>\n \u2018It died down, to be honest,\u2019 he shared when asked if he ever truly said goodbye to Max Branning. Jake explained that while he appreciated having time away, the character of Max never fully left him.<\/p>\n \u2018I was always really grateful that the door was left open, but it had to feel like the right time. My kids aren\u2019t at home anymore, they\u2019re at uni, so I have more time on my hands in that sense. I\u2019m really grateful I had that time with them, but I was always excited about the prospect of coming back one day. There\u2019s always been a lot of warmth and love for Max Branning.\u2019<\/p>\n And with that warmth comes plenty of history, and drama.<\/p>\n With EastEnders marking 40 years, it\u2019s the perfect moment to mine those layered relationships and reintroduce some familiar faces to set off the next wave of drama.<\/p>\n \t\t Scott Maslen summed it up perfectly:<\/p>\n \u2018There are so many options, and that\u2019s the beauty of 40 years of the show. Characters are so strong and can be brought back.\u2019<\/p>\n So will Tanya return? For now, it\u2019s 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.<\/a><\/p>\n Whether Tanya reappears to settle old scores or rebuild bridges, one thing\u2019s for sure, the Brannings are back, and EastEnders isn\u2019t holding back.<\/p>\n Stay tuned\u2026 because in Walford, no one stays away forever.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Max](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/528967-9fa3.jpg\")
\n\t\tZoe\u2019s comeback brings fresh trauma, and a new connection to the Brannings (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n![\"Max](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SEI_264506039-8542.jpg\")
\n\t\tMax is back and will he live up to his legacy of chaos when it comes to romance (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n![\"Max](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SEI_126343754-30ca.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe Brannings and the Slaters have a lot of history\u2026 (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n
\u2018I 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.\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Zoe](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/528180-66d2.jpg\")
\n\t\tZoe\u2019s return has already shook up Walford (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n
\nMORE: EastEnders boss reveals huge autumn stories and spoilers as secrets explode<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: EastEnders breaks silence on Zoe\u2019s twin and if we\u2019ll see him<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: EastEnders star addresses Max and Stacey future as exit story begins<\/a><\/p>\n