EastEnders fans will see Cindy Beale’s dream of the perfect wedding day go wrong next week – starting when her cheating groom Max Branning goes missing on the day of the ceremony.
As the bride-to-be gets glammed up, full of excitement about the day ahead, Max is navigating damage control on two fronts. Not only is he having a serious conversation with ex-love Linda Carter, but he’s also trying to contain the shocking truth about his affair with Priya Nandra-Hart.
So, as the guests begin assembling for the ceremony, there’s a huge question mark over whether this wedding will happen at all…
While Max is off fighting fires, Cindy mistakenly believes that her biggest problem is the other wedding that’s taking place. Kim Fox and Howie Danes are also tying the knot on the same day, and they are rather more beloved by their friends and neighbours than Cindy and Max.
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As the guests make their choice about which one to attend, Cindy is not happy at all. But while his bride is getting cross about guest lists, Max sneaks off to meet Linda at Peacock Palace to seek some clarity about his feelings.
However, when the chat turns into a fierce argument, Linda is stunned to discover the truth about Priya and Max – and it’s the beginning of a series of shocks that rumble on throughout the week…
Just when it seems like Max couldn’t have messed up more, Linda reels at the discovery of his cheating. In a world of pain, Max heads over to the car lot, where Priya is horrified to find out that he’s told Linda about them.
Priya has been so busy fighting to keep Ravi in the dark, particularly given her pregnancy, that she can’t believe Max has risked both their futures. But Priya is about to pay an even bigger price, when Max’s daughter Lauren overhears their furious row.
Understandably, Lauren is disgusted and insists that she’s boycotting the wedding, as Max tries to explain himself and beg her for forgiveness. He finally gets home, only to find that Oscar and Jack are furious at him for going missing.
The clock is ticking as the Branning men race to get Max to the venue to marry Cindy. He makes it by the skin of his teeth, but Max and Cindy have more to worry about when, as they prepare to say their vows, Linda and Priya turn up.
What happens next is not to be missed, but star Michelle Collins – who plays Cindy – reckons that the fallout will be explosive. Furthermore, she’s feeling sad that Cindy could be destined for heartbreak.
“Everyone knows Cindy is hard and driven, but there’s also a vulnerable side to her and she’s very much in love with Max,” she tells us. “So, the relationship is a will-they-won’t-they?”
“People love them together and seem to think they have great chemistry. They’re both strong characters, deeply flawed and terrible parents! But they can’t stop loving and they need people in their lives. It’s a little bit sad, really,” she adds.
