EastEnders' Max and Linda get engaged as next flashforward mystery is solved

EastEnders’ Max Branning thrills new love Linda Carter by asking her to marry him next week! But will his ex-wife Cindy Beale destroy their happiness by make him pay for his actions?

Linda is shocked and delighted when Max drops down on one knee at the car lot and asks her to be his bride, while Cindy studies the annulment paperwork that will officially dissolve her short-lived marriage to him.

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However, when she discovers that Max and Linda are engaged, Cindy – and the rest of Walford – are stunned…

"The brass neck of Max Branning is staggeringly impressive," says our Walford insider. "He was saying ‘I do’ to Cindy mere weeks ago while carrying on with Priya, and now he’s proposing to Linda!

"It’s outrageous behaviour, but Max believes that he must follow his heart. Some might question Linda’s sanity in thinking that she’s the woman to keep Max true for life."

The proposal comes as Max continues to brood about the decisions he’s made behind Linda’s back and the lies he’s told her. However, when family matters pull things into sharp focus, Max decides the time is right to pop the question.

The next day, the Carters are stunned when giddy Linda whips out her left hand to reveal a dazzling engagement ring. However, their reaction is nothing compared to Cindy’s as word reaches her that Max has already moved on to his next wife.

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"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned," warns our source. "But if he’s expecting screaming and shouting this time around, Max is in for a shock.

"After a conversation with Ravi, Cindy interrupts Max and Linda’s engagement party and calmly presents him with paperwork that he signs. Has she really given Max the annulment he needs to wed Linda, with zero fuss?"

Either way, Linda looks locked in place as the bride Max is preparing to marry on New Year’s Day. Although, questions remain as to why he’s sharing a bed with a pregnant mystery woman, and if Linda is okay with that!

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It’s long been presumed that pregnant Priya could be hidden under the sheets, although Stacey's rumoured return could add a twist to the tale.

Meanwhile, it seems truly shocking that Linda is gearing up to wed a serial cheater on the very anniversary of her marriage to soulmate Mick. Will Linda become the next Mrs Branning, or will Cindy scupper Max’s plans?

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.

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