'EastEnders' Max return is lovely, says Jo Joyner

EastEnders star Jo Joyner has revealed that she is thrilled to have Jake Wood back on the set of the soap.

Wood's character Max Branning took time out from Walford back in August, but he will be back on screen in a fortnight's time as the BBC show airs its five-episode 'Branning Week'.

Max was rejected by on-off partner Tanya in the summer after she suffered a health scare. She has since been receiving treatment for cervical cancer.

Reflecting on her alter ego's decision, Joyner told Inside Soap: "Tanya just didn't want Max to be around to watch her deteriorate. Their relationship has been based on Tanya having to be sexy and attractive to keep Max on his toes. But she hasn't got the energy to work so hard to keep him."

She continued: "It's been so lovely to have Jake back. I love the dynamics between Max and Tanya. It's a comfortable history for us as actors to understand their relationship."

As revealed earlier this week, Tanya's life starts to spiral out of control in the build-up to Max's return as she stops attending her appointments for treatment and has a drunken night out with daughter Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa).

Joyner said: "Tanya is escaping a dark situation that she doesn't want to think about. She's not thinking straight and she's just a bit high on life. It feels great, and it's complete escapism for her."

> EastEnders' Lauren delves into Cross family history - video
> EastEnders' Max to return in huge Branning week
> EastEnders' Tanya has a wild night - Spoiler Pictures
> Read more EastEnders spoilers and news

Watch Tanya's EastEnders character trail below: