![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SEI_270453988-a25d.jpg\")
\n\t\tTwo characters are set to return (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tTwo characters are set to return (Picture: ITV)<\/p>\n
EastEnders<\/a> fans may have just said goodbye to two characters<\/a>, but there are two others set to return to fill the gap.<\/p>\n This week, we bid farewell<\/a> to Anna Knight<\/a> (Molly Rainford<\/a>) and Freddie Slater<\/a> (Bobby Brazier<\/a>) as they headed off hand in hand to travel Australia<\/a>.<\/p>\n In upcoming scenes, we are set to see Linda Carter<\/a> (Kellie Bright<\/a>) finally return from her own travels, having sold the Vic and headed off on a cruise<\/a> earlier this year.<\/p>\n Elaine Peacock<\/a>\u2019s (Harriet Thorpe) plans for the opening of Peacock\u2019s Palace get off to a good start, but they are quickly derailed by Linda\u2019s sudden return.<\/p>\n She isn\u2019t home long before she has an unexpected conversation with fellow returnee Sam Mitchell<\/a> (Kim Medcalf), which leaves her with food for thought.<\/p>\n \t\t The following day, things look set to get even more complicated, and I\u2019m not talking about the fire that is set to engulf No.25<\/a>.<\/p>\n No, I\u2019m talking about the return of Max Branning (Jake Wood)!<\/p>\n Viewers will know that there is a complicated history between Max and Linda, after their affair left her pregnant with daughter Annie \u2013 something that Max has no idea about!<\/p>\n When Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) learnt the truth after returning to Walford, Linda swore her to secrecy, and she and uncle Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) have continued to hide the truth.<\/p>\n \t\t Linda is understandably rattled when she sees Max back on home turf, but eventually the pair find themselves going for a drink in The Albert, with both hiding plenty of secrets yet to be uncovered\u2026<\/p>\n Later, Max confides his suspicions about Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) to Jack, before heading to the Vic to make a declaration for everyone to hear.<\/p>\n In the final instalment of the week, Max is determined to right parenting wrongs of the past by stepping up in support of his daughter.<\/p>\n There are further big things ahead for Max in the New Year, as EastEnders airs another flashforward episode<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t A special 30-minute instalment that will hit screens on\u00a0New Year\u2019s Day<\/a>\u00a02026 will follow\u00a0Max exactly one year into the future (early 2027), where he finds himself in a sticky situation \u2013 one that, in typical Walford fashion, will not only have huge consequences for himself but also for his family.<\/p>\n Multiple events will unfold simultaneously, which means that 2026 will be one to watch for audiences, with many secrets waiting to be discovered alongside a plethora of drama that would be hard for anyone \u2013 yes even Max! \u2013 to talk themselves out of.<\/p>\n The episode in question will provide clues about what is yet to unfold for Max \u2013 and those around him \u2013 in 2026, meaning that fans will have plenty to speculate about.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Linda](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/539187-d570.jpg\")
\n\t\tLinda Carter is back! (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barns\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n![\"Linda](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/539202-0a7f.jpg\")
\n\t\tLinda has an unexpected conversation with Sam Mitchell (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barns\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n![\"Max](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/539286-e48d.jpg\")
\n\t\tMax Branning returns with a bang! (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barns\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n
\nMORE: Huge EastEnders return \u2018confirmed\u2019 as Max\u2019s \u2018new bride\u2019 in flashforward twist<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: EastEnders finally confirms return date for Linda Carter \u2013 and there\u2019s huge drama<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: EastEnders Christmas spoilers confirm shocking secret which explodes amid three huge returns<\/a><\/p>\n