EastEnders Max Branning star Jake Wood’s life off-screen including lookalike daughter

EastEnders star Jake Wood is no stranger to playing complex characters, but what is the soap legend really like away from the cameras?

Max Branning is poised to be the focal point in a groundbreaking flashforward episode of EastEnders on New Year’s Day.

In scenes set to air on New Year’s Eve, a remorseful Max attempts to mend fences with his children Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier). He enlists Oscar’s help to arrange a clandestine meeting with Lauren at The Vic, which Oscar grudgingly agrees to.

However, Lauren is livid with her father for his actions and for manipulating Oscar into arranging their meeting.

After a day filled with drama, Max retreats to Harry’s Barn, vowing to fight for his family. But what does 2026 hold for Max?

It has been confirmed that a special New Year’s Day flashforward episode will leap forward in time, offering intriguing hints about Max’s future as we see him and his family embroiled in drama on New Year’s Day 2027, reports the Mirror.

As Jake takes the spotlight as Max, let’s delve into the actor’s life off Albert Square.

Max is notorious for his complicated love life and inability to stay faithful to one woman. In stark contrast, Jake is completely devoted to his wife of over two decades, Alison Wood.

The couple met in 2001 when Jake was just 23, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.

In 2017, the couple chose to reaffirm their commitment to each other by renewing their wedding vows in a festival-themed ceremony, surrounded by their loved ones and a host of fellow soap stars.

Discussing the secret behind their lasting union, Jake previously told OK! Magazine: “We obviously love each other a lot but also we’ve always wanted the same things. You’ve got to work hard at it and you’ve got to talk. Alison’s taught me that.”

This September, Jake posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute to Alison, describing her as his “shining light” in an adorable birthday message.

Jake and Alison are parents to two children, Amber and Buster, plus their beloved pooches Buddy and Chip.

The actor regularly treats followers to snapshots of domestic bliss with his wife and kids, and just two weeks back, he posted a series of snaps from their summer escapades, showcasing delightful family strolls, garden barbecues, and musical evenings.

Sharing an Instagram snap of daughter Amber to mark her 18th birthday, the proud dad wrote: “Happy birthday you amazing human being – we are so proud of the kind, caring and effortlessly cool and stylish person that you are – you keep being you Amber we love you.”

Jake is said to have amassed a whopping £1million in the 12 months after departing the cherished BBC series half a decade ago.

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The former soap favourite managed to swell his coffers despite staying away from the small screen, with the star capitalising on stage work and lucrative audio projects. Jake left EastEnders in 2020, expressing at the time his eagerness “to see what new horizons are around the corner.”

After departing Albert Square, he launched a successful podcast, showcased his stage skills in the spine-tingling West End show 2:22: A Ghost Story, and landed roles in Christmas pantomimes.

The company Jake runs with his business partner disclosed in 2024 that they maintained cash reserves of more than £200,000 in 2022. They also paid off a hefty Corporation Tax bill of £169,151.

This suggests Jake brought in approximately £1m that year. Jake made his EastEnders comeback earlier this year following a five-year absence.

Cheryl Fergison: Behind The Scenes

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Amazon has knocked more than 20% off ‘Behind The Scenes – My Secret Life Beyond EastEnders‘, the memoir by EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison.

Jake shared news of his sobriety milestone in 2023. On New Year’s Day, he announced: “I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey.”

He also provided support to others battling the same struggle, saying: “If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love and strength and a happy and healthy 2024.”

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am