Actor Jake Wood revealed he hasn’t watched a single episode of EastEnders since he left the show, but has confirmed a return for later this year.
His character Max Branning is currently in jail for the murder of Lucy Beale, despite her brother Bobby being the real killer.
Jake Wood plays the incarcerated Max Branning in EastEnders (Jack Barnes/BBC)
He told Kugan Cassius in an iFL TV YouTube interview: “I left in July and I haven’t watched an episode since I left. I needed a good break. I’ve done nine years without a break.
He continued: “I went up and saw them (the producers) and said I was knackered and wanted a bit of time out. They’ve given me this summer off as well because I want to be with the kids and then it’s September I’m pencilled in to go back.
Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) got involved with Max and now his character is wrongly imprisoned for her murder (BBC)
When asked if he is keeping up with the developments in Bobby’s storyline, he replied: “When I’m having this break now, I’m not watching it at all, so I don’t know who’s doing what.”
He said that when the time comes for his return, he’ll 'watch it on catch-up'.
But even a little distance hasn’t made his famous escape from the dock at his trial any more bizarre.
“It was fun, stupid isn’t it? It seemed a little bit far fetched, but it’s great drama, isn’t it?” he said.
