EastEnders fans were left reeling last year when the BBC soap confirmed Max Branning would be leaving the show.
Actor Jake Wood will bow out of Walford on Friday 19 February after almost 15 years in the role.
This week, viewers have seen Max blackmail Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden) and lock horns with Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) in a final twist before he leaves.
After finding a USB at his brother Jack's house, Max threatens Phil with the incriminating evidence, pointing out how long Phil could end up in prison and telling him what he wants in exchange for his silence.
Turns out, Max wants Phil and Sharon to sign over the Queen Vic to him so that he can give it to Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
A description for Thursday's episode reveals: "With the evidence stacked against him, Phil is running out of options - and things only get worse when Max starts piling on the pressure."
Since the news was announced, fans have been suggesting all kinds of theories as to why Max makes the huge decision to leave Albert Square.
Why is Jake Wood leaving EastEnders?
Jake Wood is leaving his role as Max Branning after almost 15 years.
Soap bosses made the decision as Jake's contract was ending, planning massive scenes that would see Max depart Walford.
An insider told Mirror online: "Sometimes in soap land big characters have to leave.
"Bosses are staying tight lipped about what they have planned for Max but considering he has played a major part in the show for over fifteen years they are clearly planning something big and he will not be departing Walford quietly.
"Everyone will be sad to see Jake go as he is not only a great person to have on set but he’s also a fantastic actor."
When does Max leave?
Max's final scenes will air on BBC One on Friday 19 February.
A description for Friday's episode reads: "Jack steps in to try to diffuse the situation between Max and Mick, but when he realises what his brother has done, his blood runs cold.
"Meanwhile, Mick tells Linda that they cannot move on if Max is around."
Perhaps it is Linda who finally persuades Max to leave Albert Square.
How does Max leave EastEnders?
On the run
EastEnders viewers have been predicting a whodunnit ever since it was revealed Ian Beale would be taking a break from the soap.
Actor Adam Woodyatt currently isn't in the soap as part of a storyline.
Fans believe someone might attack Ian after he gets on the wrong side of several characters.
So will Max end up hurting or even killing Ian? Or perhaps he'll be framed?
Viewers are tipping him to do a runner, after the last time he was caught up in a shocking crime.
One fan tweeted: "When Max Branning leaves Christmas day 2020 on a plane cos he’s going on the run as he’s been framed for who attacked Ian."
Another predicted: "Max getting framed for attacking Ian like he got framed for killing Lucy..... mmm."
Meanwhile, a third guessed: "Calling it Max is gonna attack Ian and he’ll bolt."
Killed off
This is unlikely, as it's been confirmed the door is being left open for a future return.
But bosses have kept quiet about huge moments before, so could the claims be a red herring?
Viewers have been asking online whether he might die in a major twist.
Reunion with Lauren
Max's daughter Lauren, played by actress Jacqueline Jossa, left the soap in 2018.
Could she and her dad finally make amends after her sister Abi's death?
Perhaps he will go to see her!
Moves on
Max's time in Walford has been shrouded in tragedy and heartache.
He recently split from Ruby Allen, while his marriages to Tanya, Kirsty and Rainie all fell apart.
To add to that, his romance with Linda Carter also fell flat and she is now back with Mick.
His son Bradley died in 2010, and daughter Abi died in 2018 - while Lauren didn't want to know him anymore.
So would it really be that surprising if he just decided to go elsewhere?
EastEnders airs Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.
