EastEnders fans are pretty sure they know the real reason Jack Branning isn’t on speaking terms with brother Max at New Year, after a shocking twist concerning his daughter Amy
EastEnders fans are pretty sure they know the real reason Jack Branning isn’t on speaking terms with brother Max at New Year(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
No one seems to fight more than the Branning brothers, but EastEnders have set Jack and Max Branning up for a major clash by New Year’s Day.
The flashforward that aired at the start of the year showed that Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) no longer talks to his brother Max (Jake Wood) and fans think they know why after a shocking twist in tonight’s episode. Over the past few weeks, Jack’s daughter Amy (Ellie Dadd) has been groomed by Craig Ingram (Matthew James-Bailey).
Craig has been pushing Amy for money and she was determined to empty her trust fund, which held £100,000 in it. Needing the signature of one of the trustees, she turned to Uncle Max.
To see more of the stories you love from The Mirror and to find them easily in Google then make us your preferred source. Free and easy-to-do, just click on the link here to find more from The Mirror at the top of your feed.
Max, who has money troubles of his own, seemed keen to help Amy – for a cut. Though he didn’t know why Amy wanted the money, he later saw her getting into Craig’s car. Max clearly sensed something was up and rushed to tell Jack… only to change his mind.
The slimy businessman chose not to say anything about his niece getting into the car of an older man because he still wanted money. He told Amy that he would help her get the money, but it had to be a secret.
Fans are now sure this is the reason Jack hates Max at New Year – if something happens to Amy and Jack finds out what Max did, he will blame his brother, who could have said something and didn’t.
One fan said: “So Jack and Max aren’t on speaking terms on NYD because he’s gonna help Amy get the money to run off with Craig, isn’t he?”
Another said: “I could also see max and jack not being on speaking terms due to the fact max uses her trust fund money. Either or is possible.”
A third slammed Max for his actions saying they weren’t surprised no one seemed to like Max on New Year’s Day: “It’s never about anyone else it’s always me me me with that guy then he makes himself look good by helping Jack break into Craig’s flat . No wonder everyone is gunning for him at New Years .”
On 1 January 2027, it isn’t just Jack who seems to hate Max. Peter Beale (Thomas Law) also isn’t speaking to his father-in-law and refuses to attend his wedding.
Likewise, Max is arrested for soliciting a murder and claims he’s being set up, implying someone else hates him enough to want him in prison. Finally, a mystery gunman takes Max’s children Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) hostage and forces him to pick one to save.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .