EastEnders fans are in for a treat this Christmas as Max Branning returns to Walford.

Jake Wood – who has played the part since 2006 – thinks viewers may be surprised by the new-look Max.

He told the Metro: “Well, Max has got out of prison and he disappeared for a bit and then he returns and he is much changed.”

“I think prison has had a big effect on him, so yeah, he is very different from when we last saw him.

“I think the reaction he gets will be interesting.”

Jake added: “I’m not sure how welcome Max will be back in the Square at first. Especially by the Beales.”

He also commented on how the show’s new producer Sean O’Connor had made the soap more “character-based”.

“There are always slight differences when there is a change of boss. I think it is really exciting that we’ve got Sean.

“I really like him and I like his ideas for the future. I think the show is changing. I saw a couple of episodes last week and I think the whole feel of it is changing.

“It seems to be more character-based, which as an actor I think it is at its best when it is character-based.”