EastEnders’ Jake Wood seen buying a new pair of glasses – as return to BBC soap gets closer
Max Branning actor will be back on screens later this month
SOAP star Jake Wood has been preparing for his hotly anticipated return to EastEnders by investing in a new pair of glasses.
The 44-year-old who plays Walford Lothario Max Branning was spotted paying a visit to upmarket opticians Maverick and Wolf in Chiswick, south-west London.
He seemed deep in thought as he chatted to a member of staff while browsing their extensive selection of designer frames.
After trying on a pair he appeared to have made his mind up and was later seen leaving the store with a shopping bag in hand.
His new visual accessories are sure to come in handy when getting to grips with new scripts for the long-running BBC show.
With the exception of a few brief appearances here and there, the actor has been largely MIA since last September with his character carted away for the murder of Lucy Beale following a short stint on the run.
Now cleared of all charges, Max is sure to ruffle a few feathers when he makes his full-time return later this month.
In real life, Jake had agreed with show bosses to take some time out.
Speaking about the decision earlier this year, he said: “I went up and saw them and said I was knackered and wanted a bit of time out.
“They’ve given me this summer off as well because I want to be with the kids and then it’s September I’m pencilled in to go back.”
He added during an interview with Kugan Cassius on his iFL TV YouTube channel: “I needed a good break.
I’ve done nine years without a break.”
However he will have some serious catching up to do as he admitted that he hasn’t been keeping up with the latest action in Albert Square since leaving.