EastEnders' Max Branning and Stacey Slater 'reunite' 18 years after bombshell affair reveal

The drama continued in tonight's EastEnders, after last night's cliff hanger saw Max Branning (Jake Wood) make his return to the show four years after his exit. It was revealed he was calling Zoe, with fans left wondering why. In tonight's episode there connection was revealed, with a 'reunion' between Max and Stacey.

As Zoe lay fighting for her life in hospital, Stacey was the one in charge of her phone, and decided to give the "mystery man" a call, with no clue it was her former flame Max Branning.

After last night's jaw-dropping reveal, fans were sure Max was after Zoe. In tonight's episode, it was revealed that they were together romantically after having met in a bar just a year ago. The pair had never met prior, but were aware of each other's families.

READ MORE: Zoe Slater's daughter 'still alive' as EastEnders fans spot 'huge clue' in episode

READ MORE: Inside EastEnders' Max Branning star Jake Wood's real life from holiday horror to hidden talent

Max then leant her £5,000 to assist her in tracking down her son, as a private investigator found out had been fostered.

She then went to visit the foster parents neighbour in a bid to get information, but as he attempted to sexually assault her, resulting in Zoe striking him with a lamp. He was rendered unconscious, with Zoe believing she had murdered him.

Max refused to become involved and a furious Zoe stormed out his car as she proceeded to ring Stacey Slater, although we have no idea what was said.

Cut back to the present day, and as Stacey held Zoe's phone in the waiting room, she saw a number of messages from Max, telling Zoe he still had the necklace he bought her, and can also get money to her. Of course, Stacey had no idea who was on the other end, as she attempted to phone him.

Obviously thinking it was Zoe on the other line, Max answered by saying: "Did you miss me? Is everything okay?"

With the bad signal, Stacey didn't recognise Max's voice, although he clearly recognised hers and she asked who he was and what he wanted.

Max stopped speaking as he was left in shock, and although he hasn't reunited with Stacey face to face yet, it may not be long until they do as he 'threatened' to return to Walford in a later conversation with Zoe.

As Zoe rang Max at the end of the episode, he guessed she was in Walford, after hearing Stacey's voice.

Zoe warned him to stay away, saying she would "end him" if he came anywhere near, but Max wasn't having any of it, as he told Zoe he hates being told what to do.

We know Max is making a permanent return to the Square, and although Stacey is set to be leaving soon, we're sure the soap won't miss a chance to have them face to face once again.

In the historic 2007 Christmas episode, Max and Stacey's affair was finally exposed in dramatic fashionwhen Lauren put footage of them kissing on the wedding DVD. The Slaters and Brannings watched on in horror, before furious Bradley, who was married to Stacey, tried to attack his dad.

They hooked up once again ten years later on Christmas Eve. They planned to run away together, but things took a tragic turn when Tanya turned up and Abi and Lauren fell off the roof of the Vic.

With their digital reunion today - how will Stacey react when she finds out who really was behind the phone?

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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