Max Branning dropped a major bombshell in tonight’s EastEnders that is sure to change everything. Following Max’s dramatic reappearance in Walford last week, a number of secrets have already been revealed.

With Max’s return set to fuel an explosive chain of events, Thursday’s episode saw Linda Carter finally come clean to Max, telling him he is the father of her daughter Annie.

After Lauren suggested that Linda should tell her dad the truth about Annie, she told Linda that she thought Max deserved another chance to be a parent after losing Abi and Bradley.

While Max’s family already knew the truth about Annie, Linda later told Max: “You’ve got three kids, Max. Annie’s your daughter.”

Following on from Linda’s revelation in tonight’s episode, Max asked her who else knew about her secret and Linda said that Mick knew.

When Max asked if he could tell Annie he was her dad that afternoon, Linda said: “No. No, I’m sorry, that is way too soon.”

Later, Max vented his frustrations among his family as Lauren and Oscar attempted to damage control the situation. Lauren told Oscar: “Whatever happens, he cannot know that any of us knew.”

Vowing to support him, Lauren and Oscar believed they managed to talk Max out of acting irrationally, when he told them he wanted to visit a solicitor.

Their best intentions were scuppered when Zoe overheard a conversation between Linda, Max and Lauren.

Max accepted advice from Zoe, who told him: “If it was my kid, I wouldn’t let anyone keep me away.”

Following that brief conversation with Zoe, Max convinced Elaine to let him take Annie out to meet Santa, telling her that Linda was going.

During dinner, Max told Annie that he is her dad, saying: “Look, I’m not just your mum’s friend. I’ve known her for years. Long time before you were born, even.

“Look, I’m your dad Annie. I’m your dad, all right? Which is a really good thing because it means I’ll always look out for you ’cause you’re my little girl.”

A furious Linda found them, telling Max to stay away from her and her daughter.