Sharp-eyed EastEnders viewers were left absolutely livid at the close of last night’s episode after spotting a massive alteration to one legendary character.

Yesterday evening, audiences watched in disbelief as Max Branning (Jake Wood) made his dramatic comeback at the conclusion of his daughter Lauren Branning’s nuptials to Peter Beale.

The ceremony caught Lauren completely off guard, with Peter secretly organising everything at the Vic and even purchasing her dream wedding gown.

Despite initially accepting the proposal, Lauren began having doubts and tried to flee before a heartfelt conversation with Stacey Slater convinced her to reconsider.

Lauren then made her way to the Vic for the celebrations, and remarkably, for once in soap opera history, the wedding proceeded without a hitch – until it didn’t, reports

Just as Lauren prepared to throw her bouquet towards Walford’s single ladies, the Square received the shock of their lives when Max Branning strolled in and scooped it up from the ground.

“Must be my lucky day,” he declared. Both residents and viewers were left stunned as the soap concluded with a spectacular cliffhanger.

Yet those who remained until the credits rolled spotted one significant modification – following her marriage to Peter, Lauren’s surname had switched from Branning to Beale, leaving certain fans thoroughly displeased.

Venting on X, formerly Twitter, one frustrated viewer wrote: “rah what the f**k is this it better be temporary!” whilst another complained: “I hate that soaps always insist on this. In 2025 it really isn’t that common but soaps always do it!

“I’m really not liking this – Lauren’s character is being brought down by Peter. The couple are so unsuited in my honest opinion,” voiced a third viewer, while another vented: “Could have least made her a Branning-Beale!”.

Lauren wasn’t the only one to adopt the Beale surname last night. Prior to the nuptials, Kathy announced she had officially reverted to her maiden name, Beale, from Cotton.

Tonight, the Square will be rocked by Max’s unexpected return, and drama is guaranteed. Spoilers suggest that Kat attempts to steer Max clear of Zoe when he catches them in conversation.

However, the Square’s residents remain oblivious to the pair’s relationship – will the truth come out? Max will also cross paths with Stacey Slater again, but what will transpire and will she depart for Brazil?