EastEnders actor Jake Wood will be making his final appearance in Walford tonight as his character Max Branning leaves after 15 years.
The BBC soap has confirmed that Max won't be killed off, though viewers are not sure exactly how his exit will play out.
Over the last few weeks, Max has struggled over his feelings for Linda Carter - who has returned to husband Mick's side.
So it isn't a surprise that he wants to leave Albert Square - but it was to devastated fans in September last year.
Soap bosses confirmed that Jake's contract would not be renewed, meaning that Max would leave Walford in 2021.
An insider told The Mirror at the time: "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."
Jake broke his silence days later on Instagram, writing: "After 15 years I will be leaving Eastenders at the end of this year.
"I have loved playing Max Branning who amongst other things in that time has had 4 marriages, 10 affairs, 4 children (2 dying from falling from the roof of The Queen Vic), been buried alive, watched unwanted DVDs at Xmas and perhaps most traumatising of all...shared a hot tub with Ian Beale.
"I have made some truly great friends whilst on the show and I’ll miss everyone there. I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what new horizons are around the corner.
"Thank you to everyone who has sent me messages this week, I appreciate the love and support."
Speaking this month ahead of his exit, Jake admitted that while his character won't be killed off, he may never be seen on TV again.
Asked what was next for him, he said: "Just homeschooling. No one might ever offer me a job again. This might be the last time you see me on screen. I might just slip off and open a shop somewhere. Or become a farmer. I quite fancy that."
*EastEnders airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One
