EastEnders star Jake Wood is to exit the show in an explosive storyline as the character of Max Branning is being written out after 15 years.

Max will leave at the end of Jake’s current contract in a dramatic storyline that will culminate a huge strand for the character. Max will not be killed off, with the door open for a future return.

Talking about his departure from the show Jake said: ‘I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends. I’ll of course miss everyone there but I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds.

Jon Sen, Executive Producer said: ‘Jake is a truly wonderful actor and EastEnders have been extremely lucky to have him for so long. We have a big storyline for Max that starts in the coming weeks and we are all very excited to see that play out’

An insider added to 360aproko.com ‘Sometimes in soap land big characters have to leave. Bosses are staying tight lipped about what they have planned for Max but considering he has played a major part in the show for over fifteen years they are clearly planning something big and he will not be departing Walford quietly.

‘Everyone will be sad to see Jake go as he is not only a great person to have on set but he’s also a fantastic actor.’

Given Ian’s financial situation, when Max discovers just how bad things are and where the money went, will he be pushed to the edge?

Max has been central to some huge storylines, including an affair with Stacey (Lacey Turner), a long running feud with brother Jack (Scott Maslen), his incarceration over the death of Lucy and his scheming with Willmott-Brown to destroy Albert Square.