EastEnders fans are begging Max Branning ‘don’t ruin’ Stacey Slater ahead of her exit following a love triangle twist.

Jake Wood’s character made a shock return in Tuesday night’s (September 30) cliff-hanger as he showed up without any warning.

With his daughter Lauren Branning tying the knot to Peter Beale, Max picked up her bouquet to the shock of the Walford residents.

Despite not stepping foot in Albert Square since 2021, when his affair with Linda Carter was exposed, Max made a brief return last month.

It was revealed through a flashback sequence that Max was having an affair with Stacey’s cousin Zoe Slater in spite of their turbulent history together.

The pair’s unison was cut short when Zoe abandoned Max, who thinks she stole £5,000 from him, after she was assaulted by a private investigator.

Previously warning Zoe, while she was in hospital after getting shot, that he would be back, Max made his presence felt in scenes aired on Wednesday (October 1).

No one looked too happy to see Max, outside of his son Oscar Branning, who was eager to introduce him to his new love interest Jasmine.

Not paying too much attention to Oscar, Max proceeded to tell Lauren that it was a ‘possibility’ that he might be interested in staying in London.

Despite the tension surrounding them, Max put aside his differences with Zoe, who was smitten at the sight of him.

Another person not happy to see Max was Peter, who feared his mum Cindy would learn that the man she blames for the death of her son Steven was in the Queen Vic.

However, no was as shocked as Stacey, who is currently debating whether or not to go through with her move to Brazil.

In spite of Zoe warning Stacey not to go back to the man she cheated on her husband with, Max followed her home for a drink,

Going over their shared history, Stacey told Max that the late Martin Fowler was the love of her life whether or not he was there.

Zoe soon walked in just as Max and Stacey were about to kiss, proceeding to encourage to fly to Brazil later that night.

Michelle Ryan’s character later explained that she didn’t kill the private investigator, leading Max to lean in for a kiss as Stacey spotted the two of them in the act.

With Lacey Turner’s exit expected to arrive on Thursday (October 2), EastEnders fans went to Reddit to have their say on Max’s antics.

@AhhBisto said: “Max limbering up to ruin Stacey’s life for the 17th time.” @zendayaismeechee added: “Max get a job stay away from her!!! (I love a complex relationship but I’ve never understood how Stacey could stand to be around Max after Bradley died).”

@RaynaLouise wrote: “That kiss at the end felt so forced and awkward. Max and Zoe have absolutely no passion or chemistry whatsoever.” @Aggravating-Book-197 posted: “Zoe wishes she has the same amount of chemistry with Max as Stacey does. She could never.”

@Chewinggum250 commented: “Stacey’s face when Max got up close and gave the puppy dog eyes, she is wise to your tricks, old sir!” @dwcrm pointed out: “Zoe chasing after another man that is clearly in love with someone else some things never change.”