EastEnders’ Max Branning actor Jake Wood has made a surprise return to the BBC soap after four years away from Albert Square – here’s a look at his life off-screen
Jake Wood has made a triumphant return to EastEnders after a four-year hiatus. The 53-year-old actor, best known for his role as Albert Square’s notorious lothario – Max Branning – has made a dramatic and unexpected comeback.
Viewers were left stunned as they discovered it was Max who had been making the mysterious phone calls to Zoe Slater following her recent return and reunion with her estranged mother, Kat Slater.
Jake’s final scenes on the BBC soap aired in February 2021, although his departure was announced back in September 2020, marking the end of his 15-year tenure on the show. Jake first graced Albert Square in 2006 when his character Max moved in with wife Tanya and their two daughters Lauren and Abbey, reports the Mirror.
Now that Jake has made his much-anticipated return to Walford, let’s delve into his off-screen life when the cameras stop rolling.
Marital Bliss
Jake’s character Max is infamous for his complex love life and inability to commit to one woman. However, in real life, Jake is utterly devoted to his wife of over 22 years, Alison Wood. The pair crossed paths in 2001 when Jake was just 23, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
In 2017, the couple chose to reaffirm their commitment to each other by renewing their wedding vows in a festival-themed ceremony, surrounded by their loved ones and, naturally, a host of fellow soap stars.
Speaking about the key to their enduring marriage, Jake revealed to OK! Magazine: “We obviously love each other a lot but also we’ve always wanted the same things. You’ve got to work hard at it and you’ve got to talk. Alison’s taught me that.”
He continued: “We always have a date night once a week when we just hang out, catch up and talk. It’s a chance for us to check in with one another to make sure we’re still on track.”
Jake posted a touching black and white photograph of the couple on Instagram, writing: “Wedding anniversary today, 22 years married to this incredible woman. We’ve had so much fun over the years, plenty more to come. Luckiest man.”
Family life
Life as Max Branning was certainly dramatic, with the character enduring being buried alive in a coffin by his vengeful spouse Tanya (Jo Joyner).
Fortunately, Jake’s real family life beyond the drama of Walford seems far more peaceful. Jake and Alison reside in Hertfordshire alongside their teenage offspring Amber and Buster, plus their two beloved pooches, Buddy and Chip.
Posting an Instagram photograph of daughter Amber to celebrate her 18th birthday, the doting father penned: “Happy birthday you amazing human being – we are so proud of the kind, caring and effortlessly cool and stylish person that you are – you keep being you Amber we love you.”
Jake frequently updates fans with glimpses into family life alongside his wife and children, and just a fortnight ago, the actor shared a collection of photos from their summer adventures featuring heartwarming family walks, barbecues, and sing-along evenings.
Incredible talent
Whilst Jake has scooped numerous accolades for his outstanding acting prowess, the soap favourite also possesses another extraordinary skill.
In a surprising twist, Jake unveiled his remarkable artistic creations and his exceptional creative flair following his EastEnders departure.
The actor made his artistic debut at a gallery soft opening in St Albans in March 2025, showcasing his creations and providing signed prints. His inaugural original work, entitled ‘CHILL WINSTON’, was snapped up by actor Ray Winstone.
Seven-figure earnings
Jake accumulated an eye-watering £1m in the year following his exit from the beloved BBC drama.
The Max Branning star managed to boost his bank balance without gracing television screens – with the performer cashing in through theatre appearances and some profitable audio ventures.
Jake departed EastEnders in 2020, revealing at the time his enthusiasm “to see what new horizons are around the corner.”
Following his final scenes broadcast in early 2021, the beloved actor remained occupied – with his fresh endeavours proving financially rewarding.
Upon leaving Albert Square, he established a popular podcast, demonstrated his theatrical talents in the chilling West End production 2:22: A Ghost Story, and secured parts in festive pantomimes. The firm Jake operates alongside his business partner revealed in 2024 that they held cash reserves exceeding £200,000 in 2022.
They also settled a substantial Corporation Tax bill of £169,151. This indicates Jake earned roughly £1m that year! However, there were no bubbly celebrations as Jake abandoned alcohol 22 years ago.
Sobriety milestone
In 2023 Jake posted an update about his sobriety achievement. On New Year’s Day, he declared: “I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey.”
He also offered encouragement to others facing the same challenge, stating: “If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love and strength and a happy and healthy 2024.”
Holiday horror
Back in 2019, Jake revealed his holiday nightmare when his wife nearly became an alligator’s dinner.
The EastEnders actor was holidaying with his wife Alison and their children Buster and Amber when they encountered the terrifying predator.
The soap favourite explained he was aboard a vessel in the Florida Everglades with his family when Alison chose to leap into the water, only to come face-to-face with the menacing reptile.
Jake, Buster and Amber watched in terror as the alligator started moving towards Alison. They yelled for her to scramble back onto the boat as their excursion nearly became a catastrophe. Recalling the terrifying incident, Jake shared: “I almost lost my wife to an alligator in Florida.”
He explained that when he first spotted the alligator, it was 15 feet away from his wife, but his fear escalated when he saw it moving towards her.
“So I’m looking at it and thinking, ‘It’s got to be a log or something. Got to be a log’. All of a sudden it f***ing goes down and I f***ing see an eye. All the kids are screaming, I’m screaming, ‘Get back in the boat’.
“As soon as an alligator goes underwater you don’t know where it is, it was horrible. It was only about 15 feet away.”
Jake revealed that they only understood the gravity of their close call when they returned to the shop where they’d rented the boat and recounted their experience.
A stunned staff member informed them he would never venture into the water, labelling the alligator they’d encountered as a “maneater”. The chilling event occurred in 2014, but Jake says it’s an experience that will forever remain with his children.
“Good story,” he added. “Although it did scar the kids for life.” Jake confessed that even reminiscing about the encounter now makes him feel “squiffy”.
Career since EastEnders
In 2023, Jake returned to his role of Ben in the critically acclaimed supernatural theatre production 2:22 A Ghost Story. He was brought in as a last-minute replacement for actor Hugo Chegwin who fell ill, causing casting turmoil ahead of its official opening night.
In an exclusive chat with the Mirror, Jake heaped praise on co-star Cheryl’s West End debut, describing the Girls Aloud star as “fearless”. He went on: “It’s quite remarkable to see someone who has never acted before come on stage at the West End, she is in the spotlight, with all that pressure. It’s quite amazing how resilient she is, really. And she is giving amazing performances, people are blown away by how good she is.”
Jake was amongst the original cast of 2:22 A Ghost Story when it premiered in summer 2021, with his portrayal landing him the What’s On Stage Award for Best Supporting Actor. During a stint on Loose Women in 2023, Jake suggested he’d be open to returning to soap land but seemed keener on rival programme Coronation Street.
Much to the likely disappointment of EastEnders devotees, Jake then teased: “If they asked me if I would do another soap, then I would – when I was a young actor, I did a lot of northern parts. Yeah, people used to think I was from Manchester when I was younger – I love Corrie, so if they’re listening, give me a call.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am
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