Bad Santa? Max Branning is back in Albert Square for Christmas

Max returns and Roxy spirals out of control - in a week on EastEnders that feels just like A Christmas Carol!

Walford’s finest are jolted back to reality, when the ghost of Christmas Past, Max Branning, saunters back onto EastEnders.

Daughter Lauren gets word from him via text, and nervously waits for him to arrive at Steven’s birthday drinks night. After being framed for Lucy Beale’s death, has he really put the past behind him?

Meanwhile, Roxy continues to make promises she can’t keep – Scrooge, anyone? She moves from hangover to hangover this week, as she lets Ronnie down again and again, before shocking her with a selfish decision at the hen party. How low will Roxy go?

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The end of an era is in sight, as Dot works her last day at the laundrette. It’s hard to believe she’s worked there since the 1960s, imagine how stains have changed since then! With a leaving party planned, Abi helps her decorate the space. But will everyone remember to turn up? And what will the (ghost of Christmas) future have in store for Dot?

 

Max Branning Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Max is back! Framed for a murder he didn't commit, is the Branning back to serve up revenge for Christmas dinner?

Lauren Branning, Steven Beale, Louie Beale Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Lauren's shocked to get a text from Max saying he's in the Square. Despite his history with the Beales, she invites him to Steven's birthday drinks. Will it all kick off between Max and Ian?

Lauren Branning, Abi Branning Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Lauren breaks the news to Abi about their dad being back in Walford. Abi... is... floored.

Jack Branning, Ricky Mitchell, Matthew Mitchell-Cotton Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Meanwhile, it's Christmas morning and Jack sees a familiar sad sight...

Roxy Mitchell Click or tap to zoom into this image
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...Roxy stumbles through the Square barefoot and hungover. Walk of shame, perhaps?

Tina Carter, Shirley Carter, Roxy Mitchell, Ronnie Mitchell Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Let the celebrations begin! It's Ronnie's hen party and everyone's in flying form... well, almost everyone...

Roxy Mitchell, Ronnie Mitchell Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Out-of-control Roxy drops a bombshell on Ronnie at the hen party. Could her sister really be that selfish?

Roxy Mitchell, Ronnie Mitchell Click or tap to zoom into this image
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After a heart-to-heart with her sister, Roxy softens and decides to make amends.

Roxy Mitchell, Ronnie Mitchell Click or tap to zoom into this image
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True to form, Roxy lets Ronnie down AGAIN. Ronnie finds her wayward sister hungover on the sofa.

Abi Branning, Dot Branning Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Intent on making a tough day a little easier, Abi helps Dot decorate the laundrette for her leaving party.

Watch all the drama unfold in EastEnders on BBC1, from Saturday, December 24