EastEnders’ Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) is in for an almighty shock as she prepares to act on her growing feelings for former flame Max Branning (Jake Wood) this week.

Following Max’s return to Walford after a four-year break at the end of 2025, the pair have been getting close again after Linda revealed that he was the real father of her daughter Annie.

Linda and Max had an ill-fated affair back in 2021, when she sought comfort in his arms as then-husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) became distant from her, not realising he was traumatised by the sexual abuse he’d suffered in a children’s home as a teenager.

While Linda ultimately chose to break Max’s heart and stay with Mick, the former Queen Vic landlord has been presumed dead for the last three years after going missing at sea.

With Linda now in recovery from alcoholism, she has opened up to the idea of finding love again, with recently returned Max making it known he’s into her.

They continue to get close in forthcoming scenes, as Linda invites Max to spend the day with her and Annie following an earlier clash on Mother’s Day after he’s evicted from No.45.

Wanting to to make it up to Linda after their row, Max steps in to defend her when she clashes with her son Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) in the Square over their recent differences, which touches her.

She later heads to The Albert to find Max, but has a nasty surprise when she sets eyes on him.

What has Linda discovered, and will it put the brakes on their blossoming romance?