Will The Vic be the same again?
EastEnders fans have been left outraged after the BBC mistakenly revealed a major Queen Vic spoiler well ahead of its scheduled on-screen debut.
Now, many believe the slip-up could hint at the reason behind Max Branning’s upcoming return to the soap.
Viewers think the official EastEnders social media account has just given away a huge spoiler
Fans hate the thought of Elaine not being behind the barCredit
The commotion began after EastEnders posted a new behind-the-scenes video on its official TikTok account, showcasing some of the cast members.
The clip included Elijah Holloway and Laura Doddington, who play Harry and his on-screen mum Nicola Mitchell, as well as Aaliyah James and Sophie Khan Levy, who portray Avani and Priya.
But eagle-eyed fans spotted something unexpected — a sign on the door of the Queen Vic suggesting the iconic pub will be put up for sale in an upcoming storyline.
One fan took to the Walford Web fan forum as they wrote: “Rumours that the Vic could be up for sale based on the latest TikTok.”
Fans couldn’t help but flood the comments section with remarks, as they think this could have something to do with Max Branning’s return.
The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed earlier this month that Strictly Come Dancing star Jake Wood would be returning to the soap as Max.
Many also hated the idea that Linda (Kellie Bright) and Elaine (Harriet Thorpe) will no longer be behind the bar.
Another fan posted: “Yeah, definitely looks like The Vic up for sale. Max back taking over The Vic.”
While a third commented: “Coming in and immediately throwing the Carter-Knights out of The Vic ain’t gonna earn Wadey any brownie points with me.”
“I love Linda in The Vic though. It just suits her,” angrily stated a fourth user.
While someone else noted: “Max isn’t a publican, he’s a used car salesman. Not every character can just be plonked into The Vic and work. Linda and Elaine were literally made for The Vic.”
And a fifth fumed: “Oh gawd please NOT bloody Max in the Vic!!
“What the f*** is the point in anyone else taking over right now when the Knights have only just had it rebuilt and moved back in?”
They added: “I’m fine with Linda leaving it behind and moving out with the young kids, in fact i’d welcome it, but we don’t need completely new owners.”
Jake initially quit the long-running serial drama in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other projects.
The comeback of Max coincides with the departure of his former on-screen lover Stacey Slater, played by Lacey Turner.
A telly source said: “Jake’s return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show.
“It’ll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year.
“Bosses are excited about what his character’s reappearance means for spicing up the plots.
“There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.”
This comes as Jake Wood is set to make a return as Max Branning
If Max Branning takes over the boozer, the Carter and Knight family might have to move out
Fans flooded the forum pages as they worried about the very future of the dynasty