'EastEnders' Jake Wood: 'Max still loves Tanya'

EastEnders star Jake Wood has argued that his character Max Branning is still in love with ex-wife Tanya Jessop (Jo Joyner).

Viewers have seen Max and Tanya embark upon a passionate affair in scenes described as the BBC soap's "hottest ever".

The couple's marriage broke down after Max's fling with daughter-in-law Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was exposed in 2007, but Wood insisted that his Albert Square alter ego was more interested in a reconciliation than just another affair.

"We've seen this before with Max," Wood told The Mirror. "He enjoys the machinations of an affair. His relationship with Tanya is an emotional game of cat and mouse. But I think he does love her. He's desperate to get her back.

"I love working with Jo Joyner. That relationship between Max and Tanya has always felt very real, so I'd love them to get back together and be a family again."

Wood also attempted to distance himself from his EastEnders character, claiming: "I'm nothing like Max. I'm a happily married man who would never have an affair."

Wood previously shared his excitement about a "big twist" in Max and Tanya's affair.

> 'EastEnders' Vanessa 'attacks Tanya after discovering affair'