Jake Wood confirms he's leaving EastEnders after 15 years

He plays the role of Max Branning

Author: Alex RossPublished 16th Sep 2020

He's one of the most recognised faces on BBC soap EastEnders, having played the role of iconic character Max Branning since 2006, but actor Jake Wood has now confirmed he's set to leave the show.

Speaking about his exit, Jake said, "I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends.

"I’ll of course miss everyone there but I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds."

EastEnders' executive producer, Jon Sen, later added, "Jake is a truly wonderful actor and EastEnders have been extremely lucky to have him for so long.

"We have a big storyline for Max that starts in the coming weeks and we are all very excited to see that play out."

According to new reports, Jake's exit story line is going to be huge, as his character Max Branning leaves Albert Square in an explosive manner.

Check out all of the TV stars you didn't know were related in real life:

Rita Simons and Lord Alan Sugar

Former EastEnders and I'm A Celeb star Rita Simons is the niece of the one and only Lord Alan Sugar.

Phoebe, Hattie and Sally Dynevor

Phoebe Dynevor who plays the role of Daphne in Netflix show Bridgerton, is the daughter of Coronation Street actress Sally Dynevor, who plays the iconic character Sally Webster.


Sally's other daughter Hattie Dynevor now appears in Waterloo Road as student Libby Guthrie.

Jamie Lomax and Charley Webb

Former Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas, who played bad boy Warren Fox in the soap, is the brother of Emmerdale star Charley Webb.

Ryan, Adam and Scott Thomas

Former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas is the older brother of Emmerdale actor Adam Thomas and Love Island star Scott Thomas.

Kimberley and Amy Walsh

Girls Aloud singer and TV presenter Kimberley Walsh is the older sister of Emmerdale's Amy Walsh, who plays the role of Tracy Metcalfe.

Brooke Vincent and Ellie Leach

Coronation Street actresses Brooke Vincent and Ellie Leach play half sisters in the ITV soap, but in real life they are cousins.

Jill and Chelsea Halfpenny

Actress Jill Halfpenny is former Casualty actress Chelsea Halfpenny's auntie.

Nick and John Pickard

Hollyoaks actors Nick and John Pickard played half brothers in the Channel 4 soap, but they are also brothers in real life.

Lacey and Daisy Turner

EastEnders actress Lacey Turner is the older sister of former Hollyoaks actress Daisy Turner.

Hannah and Kara Tointon

Former EastEnders actress Kara Tointon is the older sister of Hannah Tointon, who has starred in TV shows such as The Inbetweeners and Call The Midwife.

Joe and Shana Swash

Joe Swash is the older brother of former EastEnders actress Shana Swash. The pair appeared on the soap together.

Mark and Jess Wright

Siblings Mark and Jess Wright appeared on The Only Way Is Essex together.

Laila Morse and Gary Oldman

EastEnders star Laila Morse is the older sister to Oscar winner Gary Oldman.

Greg Wood and Matt Milburn

The Coronation Street actors are actually brothers! Greg plays loan shark Rick Neelan and Matt plays Weatherfield County footballer, Tommy Orpington. They have also both appeared in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale!

Anthony and Emily Head

Emmerdale actress Emily Head is the daughter of actor Anthony Head, who is famous for his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Stranger and Little Britain.

Sophie and Pete Sandiford and Paul Chuckle

Gogglebox star Sophie and Pete Sandiford are the niece and nephew of The Chuckle Brothers - Paul Chuckle and the late Barry Chuckle.

Since arriving on the soap way back in June 2005, Max Branning has been caught up in some pretty huge storylines, with the actor taking short breaks in both 2011 and 2015.

Perhaps his most memorable scenes come with his marriages to Tanya Branning, Kirsty Branning and Rainie Cross on the show, not to mention his affair with his daughter-in-law Stacey Branning.

After being wrongly-accused of murdering Lucy Beale and spending time in prison, Jake's character Max tried to commit suicide by jumping off the roof of The Queen Vic. However, when Max's daughters Abi and Lauren tried to stop him, the pair both fell, resulting in Abi tragically dying.

With the drama his character has brought to our screens over the last 15 years, Jake Wood is certainly going to be missed EastEnders.

Bosses are yet to confirm details of his exit, or when his final scenes will air.

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.