Eastenders' Jake Wood, aka Max Branning, may 'make soap return'

Crowds flocked to Shipleys in Broad Street to see actor Jake Wood. 

Jake, who memorably appeared in the soap as Max Branning, was helping to launch the venue's new bingo offering.

A DJ got the crowd into a frenzy as Jake walked out to the Eastenders theme tune.

And Jake also gave the crowd a little exclusive as, after being asked if he was set for a return to the BBC soap, Jake replied: "I've got no plans to at the moment, but you never say never.

CROWDS: Fans flocked to see Jake Wood at Shipleys (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"They've kept the door open for me - apparently I've got a little baby I've not seen yet. 

"You never know."

Jake signed autographs and took pictures with fans who queued up to meet the 50-year-old on Saturday, December 3. 

Jake cut the ribbon before calling some games of bingo inside the gambling venue. 

Speaking to the Worcester News Jake said: "I'm at Shipley's, and very pleased to be here.

"Everybody's having fun, out doing their Christmas shopping.

BINGO: Jake Wood calling the bingo at Shipleys (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"I've never been to Worcester, I like what I see."

The gambling shop has moved to the former Brighthouse building on the corner of Broad Street and Angel Place, from its former location at the Scala Theatre in Worcester city centre.

Gareth Lewis, bingo manager at Shipleys, said: "This is the only live bingo in the city centre, the nearest is Warndon.

RIBBON: Jake Wood cuts the ribbon at Shipleys (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"It's somewhere for people to come, meet friends - there is a real community side to it.

"People can enjoy free refreshments while they play. It's just all going really well at our new venue.

"It has been fantastic to have Jake with us too."

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Jake's character was involved in some of the soap's most explosive storylines including an affair storyline with Stacey Slater that peaked with a Christmas Day episode watched by 14 million viewers.

The father-of-two quit the soap last year after 15 years. During his career he has appeared in Only Fools and Horses, Red Dwarf and competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 reaching the semi-final.