Jake Wood is reportedly set to reprise his role as legendary love rat Max Branning in EastEnders, four years after leaving Albert Square.

The soap star, 52, is making his shock comeback as former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, prepares to leave the Walford.

Jake bid farewell to his character as he sH๏τ his final scenes in December 2020, after playing the character for 15 years.

Bosses are reportedly looking forward to Jake to spice up the plots in his shock return.

A source told The Sun: ‘Jake’s return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a mᴀssive mark on the show.

‘It’ll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character’s reappearance means for spicing up the plots.

Jake Wood, 52, is reportedly set to reprise his role as legendary love rat Max Branning in EastEnders, four years after leaving Albert Square

Jake bid farewell to his character as he sH๏τ his final scenes in December 2020, after playing the character for 15 years

‘There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.’

MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Jake’s representatives for comment. 

Last year, Jake gave a cryptic three-word response when quizzed about his potential return to Albert Square as Max.

Jake was asked by Kate Garraway and Ed Ball to pick the most likely option between him reprising his iconic soap role or Arsenal FC winning the Premier League.

He replied: ‘Well, if you ask me which one I’d prefer, I’d prefer Arsenal to win the League… Most likely? I hope Arsenal.’

However, Jake also made it clear that, despite currently having ‘no plans’ to make an EastEnders comeback, the possibility for him to return is always there.

He said: ‘I’ve got no plans to go back. They’ve kept the door open. It’s been three and a half years since I’ve not been there. It’s been a while… ‘Never say never.’

On his departure from EastEnders, Jake shared a goodbye video as he walked around the famous BBC set, and said: ‘That’s a wrap’ as he thanked fans for their support as his time portraying the Albert Square bad boy came to an end. 

The soap star is making his shock comeback as former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner, prepares to leave the Walford (pictured together in the show in 2007)

Last year, Jake gave a cryptic three-word response when quizzed about his potential return to Albert Square as Max 

Jake was asked by Kate Garraway and Ed Ball to pick the most likely option between him reprising his iconic soap role or Arsenal FC winning the Premier League 

‘Strange day for me, last day on set filming EastEnders after 15 years, playing Max Branning. I’ll miss the place, it’s the people for me, I made some amazing friends and it’s been an incredible life changing experiences.

‘Thank you all for your messages of love and support, I have really appreciated all of that, who knows what the future brings? I just wanted to say goodbye to Max Branning and share this with you all.’ 

Jake first joined the EastEnders cast in 2006, and faced his fair share of drama, including womanising, a secret marriage and even being framed for murder. 

Announcing his departure in September 2020, Jake said: ‘I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends.

‘I’ll of course miss everyone there but I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds.’

In his final EastEnders scenes, Max turned his back on Albert Square after realising there was nothing left for him there.

In a heartbreaking moment, he left behind his granddaughter Abi after realising she’d be better off being raised by Rainie and Stuart.

The Walford bad boy decided to bid farewell after his one-time love Linda Carter once again rejected him and declared that she doesn’t love him, despite him getting the Queen Vic back for her. 

Jake quit the soap in February 2021 after 15 years playing the womanising villain Max Branning

Read More EastEnders actor Jake Wood gives cryptic three-word response when quizzed about his potential return to Albert Square as Max Branning

And in another blow, his brother Jack gave him some harsh home truths, with Max then deciding to disappear with beloved granddaughter Abi. 

But after his car failed to start, he then made to walk to the Tube station with the little one in tow, where the duo bumped into his former love Stacy Slater, with Max saying a cryptic goodbye.

However, he then noticed little Abi looking up at her great-aunt Rainie’s window and in that moment he chose to leave the tot on her doorstep, deciding that Abi would have a better life with Rainie and husband Stuart.

After leaving Abi on Rainie’s doorstep, a tearful Max then grabbed his bags and made his way to the tube station as EastEnders’ heart wrenching Julia’s theme played in the background.