In a jaw-dropping series of events unfolding on EastEnders, the battle for ownership of the Queen Vic is about to take a dramatic, unexpected turn—and fans are already spiraling with speculation and disbelief.

It’s been an intense build-up. Viewers have seen Kat Slater eyeing the Queen Vic with hope, clinging to the idea of returning as the landlady. But fate, in typical EastEnders fashion, has other plans. This isn’t going to be a fairytale comeback—it’s shaping up to be a gut-wrenching heartbreaker.

During a tense episode this week, Stacey Slater receives a life-changing surprise: she’s the beneficiary of Martin Fowler’s life insurance policy and is suddenly holding a staggering £100,000. This financial windfall reenergizes the Slater clan’s hopes to outbid their rivals and reclaim the pub. With the Beales lurking in the wings, ready to make a move of their own, the stakes have never been higher. And yet, in a cruel twist, Kat’s dreams begin to crumble right before her eyes.

Just when things look up—Kat gets positive news from the bank—Stacey drops a devastating bombshell. She’s changed her mind. The money isn’t going to Kat after all. The betrayal slices deep, leaving Kat reeling, humiliated and helpless.

But the drama doesn’t end there. As Jean Slater steps in with her signature blend of madness and wisdom, Stacey starts to reconsider. Her inner conflict grows, and next week’s episodes promise an explosive confrontation as the auction for the Queen Vic gets underway. Viewers can expect chaos as the Slaters, the Beales, and a mysterious third party enter into a fierce bidding war. It’s family against family—and possibly a wildcard waiting in the shadows.

That wildcard may very well be Max Branning.

Yes, you read that right. Rumors are flying across social media that Max—played by the ever-charismatic Jake Wood—might be poised to make a shocking return. The buzz began when Oscar Branning popped up on the Square earlier this week, a reappearance that fans quickly connected to his father. Speculation exploded online. Could Max be about to reclaim his place in Walford with the ultimate power move—taking over the Queen Vic?

The thought of Max Branning behind the bar, pint in hand, is driving longtime viewers into a frenzy. After all, Max isn’t just a character. He’s a storm in human form, leaving shattered relationships and ruined lives in his wake. His return would mean unfinished business, old enemies, and secrets bubbling to the surface—classic EastEnders.

Jake Wood has confirmed his comeback, and he’s already teasing what’s to come. “I’m over the moon to be coming home to Walford,” he says. “Max has got lots of unresolved drama with many characters, so I’m sure he’ll be busy. I’m excited to see what he’s been up to, and what is next for the character—but if his last 15 years in the Square are anything to go by, I’m sure there will be plenty of chaos.”

Fans are connecting the dots with increasing urgency. Why bring back Oscar now? Why build tension around the pub only to have Kat and Ian both falter? Is this the setup for the Branning family’s triumphant—and possibly destructive—return?

On X (formerly Twitter), viewers are going full detective mode. “I reckon it’ll be Tanya or Max Branning, but more likely Tanya that is gonna buy the Queen Vic,” one fan speculated. Another chimed in: “I bet Max buys The Vic.” And one tweet captured the emotional rollercoaster perfectly: “Oscar Branning is why Max Branning should be the new landlord of the Queen Vic. Imagine him behind the bar!”

The show’s new executive producer, Ben Wadey, has already proven he’s not afraid to stir the pot. His tenure has brought back fan favorites like Zoe Slater, and he’s layered in shock reveals that have left the fandom gasping. Could Max be his next masterstroke?

And if Max does take over the Vic, what happens next? Will he seek revenge, redemption, or ruin? Will his presence reopen old wounds or create fresh ones? Could he team up with the Beales—or sabotage them? With his tangled history, nothing is off-limits.

Meanwhile, Kat is teetering on the edge. Betrayed by family, financially blindsided, and watching her dream slip away, she may not be the victor in this war. But she’s a Slater—and the Slaters never go down without a fight.

As the auction draws closer, the tension in Walford is unbearable. Alliances shift. Secrets whisper through the air. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, EastEnders pulls the rug out from under you. Again.

One thing’s certain: the Queen Vic isn’t just a pub. It’s a symbol of power, legacy, and identity. Whoever holds the keys holds the fate of Walford in their hands.

And by next week, that fate may belong to Max Branning.

Brace yourself, because the past is back—and it wants the Vic.