WALFORD residents will be paying their respects to Dot Cotton as news of her off-screen death will get to the Square.
Some EastEnders are convinced Lauren Branning could come back with her father Max in tow.
The theory emerged on a Digital Spy forum, where soap fans frequently share their thoughts on their favourite shows.
After finding out that actress Jacqueline Jossa will come back for the tribute to the iconic June Brown and her on-screen alter ego, BBC One viewers believe it only makes sense for Jake Wood to reprise his role.
"I think strut wise, Max would also go. Depends if Jake is up for a return", one fan wrote as another quickly echoed: "Lauren back, it’s likely as I’m sure he’s meant to be with her."
Another viewer speculated that the actor could come back on a permanent basis after Dot Cotton's funeral.
"I can see Jake Wood returning permanently next year", they penned.
But this theory didn't make other fans any happier.
"I could handle a guest return for Dot's funeral but really don’t want him back", one of them replied.
"His character was completely burnt out by the time he left and should have gone at least three years before he actually did."
"Agreed, Max should've pitched off that roof instead of his daughters but now you all mention it getting him back for Dot's funeral and tying it in with Mick's exit does sound like a suitably dramatic and messy week for Max Branning", another responded.
One EastEnders fan echoed: "Just find Max annoying and also with Jack constantly babying him. He has enough kids already."
Everything you need to know about Eastenders
"I think Max will do one scene which is right at the end to say goodbye like Simon wicks did with Pat butcher", another soap viewer added.
Overall, fans of the London-based drama are eager to find out who will make the trip to Albert Square for Dot.
Max Branning left Walford in February, 2021, after he was rejected by Linda Carter, the mother of his daughter Annie.
The pair had an affair as the landlady's marriage to Mick Carter deteriorated in 2020 - how would she react if he came back?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
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