EastEnders fans sent major warning for New Years' Day flash-forward episode - will it be on early release?
EastEnders fans are being warned of a major update for the upcoming New Years’ Day flashforward episode.
Max Branning will be at the centre of drama on Albert Square in a special episode on January 1, which will be the first of its kind in EastEnders history.
While flash-forward scenes have been used in the soap before, this will mark the first time an entire episode takes place in the future. The 30-minute episode will jump ahead to January 1, 2027 on the day of what we now know is Max Branning’s fifth wedding.
However, there is drama surrounding the nuptials. A shocking new teaser trailer has teased confrontations with Max’s brother Jack and daughter Lauren, while armed police close in.
Mystery is surrounding the storyline, including the identity of his mystery bride and the year’s worth of drama that will lead up to the big day.
As a result of the highly-anticipated episode, it has been confirmed that EastEnders will not be able to watch on early release on January 1. The BBC soap normally releases early-release episodes on the BBC iPlayer from 6am.
However, bosses are keeping all the secrets underwraps until the episode airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7.30pm on Thursday, January 1. All other episodes over New Year will be part of the early-release as normal.
Jake Wood, who plays Max Branning in the BBC soap, said of the upcoming episode: “It’s brave, it’s big, it’s bold. It’s a real privilege to be a part of it. I think the build up to New Year is a busy time for the Brannings. Max is trying to sort of reconnect with his kids, and not doing a very good job of it.
“I think he’s probably at an all time low on New Year’s Eve. Then we go to the flash forward.”
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey added: “For Max, life is like one big game of Kiss, Marry, Kill. This idea set something running for us that we got really excited about. There is a whole heap of chaos.”