EastEnders actor Jake Wood gives cryptic three-word response when quizzed about his potential return to Albert Square as Max Branning

Jake Wood appeared on Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain.

The EastEnders actor, 51, gave a cryptic three-word response when quizzed about his possible return to Albert Square as Max Branning.

Jake was asked by Kate Garraway and Ed Ball to choose the most likely option between reprising his iconic soap role or Arsenal FC winning the Premier League.

He replied: ‘Well, if you ask me which one I would prefer, I would prefer Arsenal win the League… Most likely? I hope Arsenal.’

However, Jake also made it clear that despite currently having ‘no plans’ to make an EastEnders comeback, the possibility for him to return is always there.

He said: ‘I have no plans to go back. They kept the door open. It’s been three and a half years since I haven’t been there. It’s been a while… ‘Never say never.’

Jake was asked by Kate Garraway and Ed Ball to choose the most likely option between reprising his iconic soap role or Arsenal FC winning the Premier League.

He replied: ‘Well, if you ask me which one I would prefer, I would prefer Arsenal win the League… Most likely? I hope Arsenal.’

Jake was on GMB to speak about his new role in the play London Tide, but was inevitably quizzed about EastEnders.

The actor said goodbye to Max Branning as he shot his final scenes in December 2020, after playing the character for 15 years.

Taking to Instagram, Jake shared a farewell video as he walked around the famous BBC set, saying: ‘That’s a wrap’ as he thanked fans for their support as his time portraying the bad boy of Albert Square came to an end.

‘Strange day for me, the last day on set filming EastEnders after fifteen years, playing Max Branning. I will miss the place, it’s the people for me, I’ve made great friends and it’s been incredible life changing experiences.

‘Thank you all for your messages of love and support, I really appreciated it all, who knows what the future holds? I just wanted to say goodbye to Max Branning and share this with you all.”

Jake first joined the cast of EastEnders in 2006 and had to deal with his fair share of drama, including womanizing, a secret marriage and even being accused of murder.

Announcing his departure in September 2020, Jake said: ‘I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some really great friends.

“I will of course miss everyone there, but I’m grateful they left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what the next chapter has in store.”

Jake quit the soap in February 2021 after 15 years playing womanizing villain Max Branning

However, Jake also made it clear that despite currently having ‘no plans’ to make an EastEnders comeback, the possibility for him to return is always there.

He said: ‘I have no plans to go back. They kept the door open. It’s been three and a half years since I haven’t been there. It’s been a while… ‘Never say never’

In his final EastEnders scenes, Max turned his back on Albert Square after realizing there was nothing left for him there.

In a heartbreaking moment, he abandoned his granddaughter Abi after realizing she would be better off raised by Rainie and Stuart.

The Walford bad boy decided to say goodbye after his one-time love Linda Carter rejected him again, declaring she didn’t love him despite him getting the Queen Vic back for her.

And to top it all off, his brother Jack told him some harsh home truths, after which Max decided to disappear with his beloved granddaughter Abi.

But after his car wouldn’t start, he walked to the subway station with the little one in tow, where the duo bumped into his former love Stacy Slater, while Max said a cryptic goodbye.

But then he saw little Abi looking at her great-aunt Rainie’s window and it was then that he chose to leave the toddler on her doorstep, deciding that Abi would have a better life with Rainie and husband Stuart.

After leaving Abi on Rainie’s doorstep, a tearful Max packed his bags and headed to the tube station as EastEnders’ heartbreaking Julia’s theme played in the background.

Departure: The actor has confirmed he has left Albert Square in February 2021, but bosses have left the door open for his return (pictured with Lacey Turner as Stacey in 2007)