Max Branning’s return to Albert Square was always going to set off a few fireworks – but no one predicted that A: He reckons he’s a changed man. And B: He’d be introducing a new wife.
And that we’d already KNOW her!
Fans were left open-mouthed last night (Tuesday 24 April) when Max introduced viewers and Walford residents to his (very) recent new spouse – Rainie Cross.
Yes – his former sister-in-law! Pick your jaws up off the floor, readers!
We first saw Max marrying a mysterious woman in white in a registry office wedding – but her face was obscured behind a veil.
Fans speculated on Twitter about her identity, with many hoping it was former villain Janine!
Alas not. But it wasn’t too long before they found out.
Insisting he’s one of the good guys now – even though not one person, not even his brother Jack – believes him, Max then organised a ‘meet my new wife’ party at Mel’s E20.
Read more: Is Mel Owen’s estranged husband about to arrive in EastEnders?
Obviously ex-fling Stacey was busy washing her hair, but some of Albert Square’s nosiest residents couldn’t help showing up. Or perhaps it was the fact that Max had set up a free bar? Something Kat and Mo certainly made the most of!
As the Slaters got more drunk, they began throwing insults at Max and things became heated… Until Rainie swept in and defended her man.
GASP!
EastEnders fans went WILD at the revelation, with one even saying it was “the most excitement I’ve had all week”.
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
Another said: “I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT RAINIE IS MAX’S WIFE. I WAS SO SO SHOCKED.”
A third had an interesting theory, tweeting: “I’m guessing it’s Rainie who is Max’s new wife. He needs to prove he’s worthy to be Baby Abi’s guardian. Marrying Rainie would accomplish that goal and piss of Cora even more.”
I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT RAINIE IS MAX'S WIFE. I WAS SO SO SHOCKED. #eastenders
— Husna Atif (@HusnaAtif1) April 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/AimeeHodder/status/988903870716960768
So Max married his ex wife's sister 😂 #eastenders
— EkGaramChai 🇵🇸 (@asadronate101) April 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/ttlylucy/status/988871021154521089
So Max is married to his ex-wife's sister, is in Ian's ex-wife's club and his wife gave Ian a servicing shortly before he found out Jane covered for his son killing his daughter.
THE IRONY.
THE SHOCK.
Well done EastEnders! #EastEnders @bbceastenders— 🪄 Witty 🪄 (@awittywizard) April 24, 2018
Wow Eastenders
Max has a new wife 😀😂😂— Jasmin (@jasmin_robinson) April 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/CharlotteC_06/status/988864757460594690
https://twitter.com/love_kellieb/status/988854898107265024
I’m guessing it’s Rainie who is Max’s new wife. 🤔 He needs to prove he’s worthy to be Baby Abi’s guardian. Marrying Rainie would accomplish that goal and piss of Cora even more. 😏 #EastEnders https://t.co/8LK4L0eLae
— BovaryCee.bsky.social ♋️🌻🙋🏾♀️ (@BovaryCee) April 24, 2018
So why HAS Max married Rainie? Is it love (probably not) or is there an ulterior motive? There usually is with scheming Max…
And why did they get married in such a quick ceremony just hours before he introduced her to the residents of Walford?
Max has been away from Walford for two months, following the tragic death of his daughter Abi and his surviving child Lauren’s decision to leave Walford for good.
Fans will remember that Rainie is Max’s ex-wife Tanya’s sister. A former drug addict, she was last seen in Walford earlier this year, visiting Abi in hospital.
Max returned on Monday night (23 April) as the owner of Albert Square’s new car lot.. But has he really turned over a new leaf?
We very much doubt it!
Do you think Max and Rainie are for real? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!