In a storyline which could rival The Six, EastEnders took viewers forward in time once again last night – but this time jumped ahead by an entire year.

Last night, viewers were transported forward in time to New Years 2027, which looks to be a problematic one for the recently-returned Max Branning. In an action-packed episode, which is quite well summed up by his brother Jack Branning who brands his brother’s life one big game of ‘Snog Marry Kill’, fans were left with a string of questions.

And it’s not taken long for soap detectives to start doing some digging. With this in mind, the Mirror have done some digging and compiled the biggest questions – and the fan theories that could answer them…

1 of 10

Who is Max Branning’s bride?

While the flashforward episode appeared to tease Max’s bride as being either Linda Carter, Denise Fox, Cindy Beale or Chelsea Fox some fans think it isn’t any of these women at all.

Viewers took to social media to guess we were being misled by the soap, and the actual bride was none other than his former flame Zoe Slater.

Zoe was missing from the episode and given their history, fans predicted she would be marrying Max. One fan said: “Hold up. Unless Zoe is the bride and the ones shown are the bridesmaids???”

Another fan tweeted: “Is he marrying Zoe?” A third added: “I still think Zoe could be the bride.” A further comment read: “We didn’t see Zoe so could she be the bride?”

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2 of 10

Who are the parents to baby Ethan?

Amongst a string of new questions, fans were also introduced to some new characters – including a baby called Ethan. The tot was in a bassinet inside Jack Branning’s house.

While the parents of Ethan have yet to have been revealed, fans have already pinpointed who they think could be Ethan’s mum and dad.

Jack was seen looking after the baby, with the obvious conclusion being that Jack is Ethan’s dad – but some fans think that isn’t the case.

Viewers wondered if Jack was caring for the child of his daughter Penny Branning, who was missing from the episode.

Also missing was his daughter Amy and son Ricky. So could the baby be the new child of one of his own kids, with a mystery person being the other parent? If Penny, perhaps amid spoilers teasing a romance with Vinny Panesar, Vinny and Penny could be the parents.

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3 of 10

Why is Ian Beale Max’s best man?

Another confusing revelation from the episode is that Ian Beale will be Max’s best man. The pair have been at loggerheads in the past, with Ian being seen offer Max money to leave Walford in the lead-up to the flashforward.

Some fans have suggested online that Max ends up marrying Cindy – therefore unburdening Ian from his bitter war with his ex, which sparks the pair to bond.

However, some believe Cindy and Ian could be setting Max up – and Ian is actually pretending to play nice.

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4 of 10

Who is Max’s pregnant lover?

While Max wakes up on the morning of his wedding, it appears the pregnant woman sleeping next to him isn’t the person he is set to marry.

After a recent random scene this week on the BBC soap, fans think it was a major hint at what was ahead. Just days ago, Chelsea Fox suggested she found Max attractive, leading fans to now think she’s the mystery pregnant woman.

Sharing their theories on social media in reply to the preview, fans noticed the woman appeared to sigh. One fan said: “Sounds like Chelsea that does.”

Another view agreed: “Sounds like Chelsea,” as a third said: “Honestly it kinda sounds like Chelsea sighing.” A further comment read: “That’s Chelsea sighing.”

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5 of 10

Did Max help plot someone’s murder? If so, who?

While Max prepares for his big day, he’s suddenly stopped when a huge swarm of armed police bust into his flat on Albert Square. He’s arrested on suspicion of solicitation to murder – but it’s not clear who he’s accused of plotting alongside or who the chosen victim is.

Some fans are convinced Ravi was Max’s target as one suggested: “I get the feeling Max has teamed up with someone to bring down Ravi and it backfired”. Another added: “Dunno who he’s marrying however I think max has helped Nicola with the murder of Ravi and Priya was in bed with him and set him up?

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6 of 10

Who is the mystery man with the Brannings?

During the episode, fans were briefly introduced to a new character – but his name and anything about him have remained hidden.

Max’s arrest draws a lot of attention on Albert Square – with one mysterious stranger in particular catching the attention of viewers. The mysterious man is seen stood alongside Max’s son Oscar on Albert Square wearing a khaki green jacket and a black shirt underneath.

Now some fans have suggested his link to the Brannings might be via Lauren. One asked: “Who the f**k is he? Other than ABSOLUTELY the man Lauren is having an affair with…”

“Look at this shot… Lauren is deffo having an affair with that man,” another said. While a third added: “I’m torn between him either being: 1. A man related to the guy Max has seemingly murdered or he’s connected to the case somehow 2. The guy Lauren is cheating on Peter with.”

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7 of 10

Who owns the Queen Vic?

While Kat and Alfie have recently taken over as The Queen Vic’s landlords, they were nowhere to be seen in the flashforward. However, one fan picked up on a hint which could mean they’re still the ones running the bar.

They wrote on X: “Doubtful any other landlord and landlady would have Santa sitting on a MOON like Kat and Alfie did this year so seems likely they’re still in the Vic come 2027”.

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8 of 10

Who kidnaps Lauren and Oscar?

The end of the episode reaches a huge cliffhanger, as Max is faced with one fatal question: Should he save Lauren or Oscar from being killed?

The siblings are kidnapped from Dot Cotton’s former home and Max receives a video of a gloved kidnapper holding a gun to both of their faces and he is told to choose.

Some fans are convinced Ravi is the one holding the gun as one wrote: “Ravi kidnaps Lauren and Oscar”. Another suggested: “Ravi is holding Lauren & Oscar at gunpoint”. Given Ravi’s shady criminal dealings, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.

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9 of 10

Why is Libby back?

One thing that is guaranteed in 2026 is Denise Fox’s daughter and Chelsea Fox’s sister Libby is back on Albert Square. She features briefly in the flashforward episode alongside Patrick Trueman, as the pair appear to be looking for Denise in Jack Branning’s house before her phone rings.

And some fans have theorised that only a wedding could bring her back to Walford. One wrote: “So the only women that Max could be marrying is either Denise or Chelsea, or even possibly Kim, because why else would Libby come back. That’s one question of many answered anyway”.

But, another suggested: “Soooo if libby is back for good (assuming) then I’m guessing darren will also be coming back and taking over the car lot? they’re going make out jay sold it to him??”

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10 of 10

Who is Oscar Branning dating?

During the flashforward it was hinted that Oscar Branning is loved-up and Patrick Trueman made a comment which fans think hints at the identity of his love interest. While adjusting Oscar’s tie, Patrick tells Oscar: “You’re with a Trueman now, you know. You have to look the part, man!”

One wrote: “When Patrick said Oscar is part of the family now so does that mean hes dating Jasmine still or has the twin brother turned up?!?!”

“Oscar’s definitely with Jasmine’s twin brother,” another suggested. While a third said: “Okay so Oscar and Jasmine are still together. Why is she mad at Max? Is he marrying Zoe?”.

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