EASTENDERS actor Jake Wood could be living in Wales in a matter of weeks as he’s tipped to be taking part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Jake, 48, announced on Wednesday that he would be departing from the BBC soap after 15 years of playing Max Branning.
And now it has been claimed that the ITV reality show could be his next move.
Bookies Ladbrokes make him 3-1 to appear in this winter’s jungle show – which will take place at Gwrych Castle in Wales instead of Down Under.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “With his time on the Square coming to an end, we reckon I’m A Celeb chiefs could be about to snap him up.”
In his statement on Wednesday, Jake told fans: “I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders.
“I’ll of course miss everyone but I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds.”
The soap’s executive producer Jon Sen insisted a dramatic exit is planned for the character.
Jon said: “Jake is a truly wonderful actor and EastEnders have been extremely lucky to have him for so long. We have a big storyline for Max that starts in the coming weeks and we are all very excited to see that play out.”
An insider added to the Daily Star: “Sometimes in soap land big characters have to leave. Bosses are staying tight-lipped about what they have planned.
“Considering he has played a major part in the show for over 15 years they are clearly planning something big – he will not be departing Walford quietly.”
And of course, fans have started speculating as to how Max’s exit from Walford may play out.
Viewers know that trouble is brewing after Ian Beale (played by Adam Woodyatt) sneakily used the money from Max’s half of the restaurant to buy the pub for Sharon (Letitia Dean).
It’s only a matter of time before Max realises how sly Ian has spent his money. Might a furious Max lash out and land himself in prison?
One convinced fan tweeted: “Max in jail from bashing Ian round the head? #EastEnders,” while another posted: “3 years in prison and come back 2023.”
Another fan tweeted: “Ian’s totally screwed once Max finally realises he’s already spent all the money on buying The Vic for Sharon #Eastenders.”
