EastEnders' Michelle Collins confirms "unpredictable" Cindy and Max wedding

 EastEnders star Michelle Collins has teased that her character Cindy Beale’s upcoming wedding to Max Branning will be unpredictable, to say the least. The couple are all set to tie the knot in a couple of weeks, in early September – on the very same day as Kim and Howie.

However, we know that Max recently had a sordid affair with Priya, and while things are now over between them, Priya has just made the shocking discover that she is pregnant with his baby.

Plus, the all-important flashforward episode showed Max preparing to get married again on New Year’s Day, so we already know that this upcoming wedding is destined not to go entirely to plan.

 actor Michelle Collins explains what we can expect from this big week in Walford as brides Cindy and Kim go head-to-head. Could some huge secrets be revealed before Cindy and Max say ‘I do’?

Check out our video with Michelle at the top of the page, then read our full DS Q&A below…

Hi, Michelle! What can you tell us about Cindy and Max’s upcoming wedding?

"Well, it’s going to be a typical Walford wedding, that’s for sure, in the sense that it’s never a wedding that goes to plan. It will be unpredictable. I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say that it’s not the perfect wedding! It’s Max and Cindy, what do you expect?

"Also the fact that Cindy is not Miss Popular, and Kim is getting married at the same time. A lot of people decide they’re not going to Cindy’s wedding, so she gets a little bit peeved and turns into a bit of a bridezilla character – ‘why aren’t they coming to my wedding?’

But it’s an interesting wedding, that’s all I’m going to say without giving too much away. It was great to play it, I really enjoyed it. I can’t say how many weeks it took, it seems like it went on for years! It had its moments, it had its ups and downs, but it was fun. Everyone loves to get married on telly, don’t they?"

How would you describe Cindy’s wedding dress?

"Her wedding dress was white – even though she’s been married three times before! It wasn’t fluffy, blancmange, it was a bit more – I shouldn’t really say age-appropriate because I annoy myself when I say that, but it kind of was. It was kind of long, kind of lacy, quite tight.

"My hair, I wanted to channel a bit of Dusty Springfield, Duffy, with a beehive. There was a lot of action at the wedding, and I didn’t want to have to worry about my hair. Zoe, who did the hair and make up, was really amazing actually, she was very attentive.

"Everyone knows that Cindy’s hard and driven, but there’s also a vulnerable side to her, and she is very much in love with Max. So she really wants this wedding to be perfect – doesn’t every bride want their wedding to be perfect? She does look lovely and she’s got her bridesmaids, and that’s all I can say!"

There is some sympathy for Cindy, because we know what’s going on behind her back…

"Yeah, and she’s never been cheated on before. It’s always her that’s cheated on somebody, so it’s interesting to play. She’s always been the other one! So in a sense, it would bring out her vulnerabilities. But that’s why she’s so great to play. She’s deeply flawed, she’s probably not the best mum in the world, she’s kind of chaotic, but she’s honest and she’s human and she makes mistakes like everybody else out there.

"And I think more importantly, she’s a survivor, and whatever happens, she will come bouncing back, and she will reinvent herself. Look at the stuff she went through – she went away for 25 years, she went to prison, she went on the run for 8 years, she came back and she’s still here, she’s got her own business.

So she just continually reinvents herself and survives, and I think that’s what a lot of women like about Cindy. She could easily be hated, but I think because they write for her and she is vulnerable, and that is her redeeming feature, I think, and hopefully will be her saviour.

"And also, Max is so dislikeable! What on earth did she fall in love with him for? He’s so dislikeable! I mean, Jake’s a great actor, but he is pretty dislikeable, isn’t he? You go, ‘Cindy, what are you doing?’ So there’s half of me that goes, maybe people will be on her side anyway – because fancy cheating on somebody before you get married? I mean really, it’s a very cowardly thing to do, isn’t it? Have the guts to tell someone!

But people love them together, they seem to think that they have a great chemistry together. It’s the will they won’t they, the war of the roses. They’re both strong characters, they’re both deeply flawed, they’re terrible parents. But they can’t stop loving, both of them! They just need people in their lives, which is a little bit sad, really."

While there’s a September wedding, we’ve also seen Max preparing for his wedding on New Year’s Day in the flashforward. Is there anything you can tease about this?

"Well, whose wedding is it? See I don’t know, I haven’t seen the flashforward. I decided not to watch it, I was only in it a tiny, tiny bit. But I might wait – because it’s obviously not finished, and I don’t know what’s going to happen, I really don’t know. And that’s quite exciting, not to know. I don’t really want to know, because I don’t want to spoil it.

"But it was last Christmas that Cindy and Max got together. So it’s a year – they’ve only been together a year! I mean, my god, so much has happened in a year. They met, they found out who each other was, then they started hating each other, then they fell in love! And it’s been chaos all the way. So let’s see. It’s certainly not going to be boring."

EastEnders lines up shock 2027 exit for popular Branning

 Somebody could be leaving Albert Square.

EastEnders is reportedly lining up a shock exit for a member of the Branning family, with Pierre Counihan-Moullier set to depart the soap next year.

The actor made his debut on the BBC soap in July 2025, having taken over the role of Oscar Branning from Charlee Hall. But his stay in Walford looks to have lasted around 18 months, as The Sun is reporting that the actor has quit the role.

It has been reported that the character will depart next year, though the door is expected to be left open regarding a potential return. No storyline details have been revealed, with producers keeping their cards close to their chest.

Since Counihan-Moullier arrived in Walford, Oscar developed his relationship with family members Max and Lauren, while also being at the centre of a love triangle involving Jasmine Fisher and Josh Goodwin.

The reported developments come amid a flurry of cast exits on the BBC soap, with both Michelle Ryan and Kellie Bright confirmed to be leaving. Aaron Thiara, who plays Ravi Gulati, is also said to be departing, though that hasn't been officially confirmed.

Ryan, who portrays Zoe Slater, returned last year after an absence of two decades, but it was announced in June that she would soon be leaving. It was also reported that the character would be killed off, with filming for a funeral recently taking place.

Bright, meanwhile, announced that she had decided to leave the soap after 13 years in the role of Linda Carter. She shared that she had agreed to stay for a while longer as part of an "exciting storyline".

Casualty confirms timings for explosive anniversary episodes amid new teaser

 The medical drama celebrates four decades on the air.

Casualty has shared when fans will get to watch the two-part anniversary episode for the medical drama's 40th anniversary. As previously announced, the double bill will air on 5 September, with the BBC now confirming the timings for what promises to be an explosive anniversary special.

BBC One's TV schedule now officially includes the double episode, with the two parts set to air back to back on Saturday 5 September at 8pm and 8.50pm.

The website also included longlines for the two episodes, seeing a "huge firebomb" leaving several characters' fates hanging in the balance, while the team looks at Dylan Keogh (played by William Beck) at a time of crisis.

Lives hang in the balance as a huge firebomb lights up the skies of Holby," the logline for part one reads, while part two teases: "As the team look to Dylan for guidance in their hour of need, does he have the strength to keep fighting?"

Fans of the long-running medical drama found out that the explosion storyline will get to coincide with Flynn Byron's 40th birthday as the series has shared a dramatic scene ahead of the anniversary.

In the clip, posted to Casualty's social media yesterday, Flynn (Olly Rix) receives a phone call from his daughters who wish him a happy birthday.

Moments after, he witnesses an explosion at St James' Hospital, as the Instagram post caption reads: "Flynn's birthday plans will have to be put on hold..."

Set to air almost exactly 40 years since Casualty first made the air, the anniversary episodes follow the series' latest boxset, titled Lethal Legacy.

These episodes, which saw a mysterious illness spread across the department, aired from April to July this year and resulted in a sad death

EastEnders confirms Darnell twist as another new character arrives

 While Denise woke up from her coma.

EastEnders has brought in another new character in a sad storyline involving Denise Fox. After the soap introduced her half-brother Darnell Larson Jr in yesterday's episode, Walford also welcomed Darnell's daughter in a big twist for the Fox-Trueman family.

In tonight's episode, which also saw a shocking change to Amy and Craig's story, the doctor informed Denise's husband Jack Branning that she was strong enough to be woken up from her coma.

The doctor warned Jack that the infections were likely to return and that a further round of chemotherapy could be "hard on Denise's body", insisting that a stem cell transplant would be the best option.

After Darnell chickened out of getting tested to see if he and Denise were compatible, Jack resolved to find him at all costs. "I'll just go and find Darnell myself," Jack snapped at his family as they were discussing the best approach to find Denise a donor.

As Yolande confided in Phil Mitchell that she feared Jack would do something stupid, Kim and Patrick visited Denise in hospital.

Phil caught up with Jack, who was on a stakeout to find Darnell. The cop broke down in tears as he couldn't locate Denise's half-brother, with Phil comforting and urging him to drive back.

Right as they were driving away, new character Grace was seen speaking with her dad Darnell on the phone and revealed that Jack had come to the flat looking for him.

Grace barged into the café and gave Jack a piece of her mind. She demanded for the stalking to stop, but a desperate Jack tried to convince Darnell to at least take the test. Once again, he refused.

For reasons I cannot explain, you are going to have to accept my choice," Darnell said. But Jack reached for Darnell's arm and grabbed him, as he and Grace hurriedly left.

Phil made one final attempt with Denise's half-brother, pleading with him to not walk away, but Darnell wouldn't budge. As Jack and Phil left, Grace told Darnell: "Dad, maybe you should."

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Kim had told Denise that she had a half-brother, leaving Jack the unenviable task of admitting to his wife that Darnell wouldn't take a swab. Upset at having lost the best chance they had to help Denise, Kim lashed out at the family and stormed out.

In the final scenes, Kim and Jack cleared the air and resorted to devise a plan to save Denise. As Jack vowed that giving up was "not an option", Darnell paid Denise a surprise visit. Is he going to take the test after all?

EastEnders spoilers for next week August 31 to September 3rd 2026

 Next week on EastEnders, Nicola's chaotic family arrive in Walford, armed with a big secret.

Meanwhile, Ravi makes a shocking discovery, and Linda struggles with her feelings for Max.

Here is our round-up of all the biggest moments coming up in Albert Square. You can also check out our collection of 27 spoiler pictures for next week's episodes.

The Hawkins family arrive in Walford

Nicola's sisters Gemma and Jodie return to Albert Square.

Gemma's son Ryder is also with them and the clan make their presence known immediately.

Nicola agrees to let them stay on one condition – their estranged mother Rose doesn't turn up as well.

Despite the promise, Ned – Gemma's husband – soon turns up with Rose, leaving Nicola furious.

Nicola is urged to build bridges

Nicola refuses to let her family stay with her, forcing Gemma and Ned to consider other options.

Harry steps in to offer Ryder and Jodie a place to stay but urges Nicola to sort things out with Rose once and for all.

 Ned spots a familiar face

Ned apologises to Kat about the disruption his family caused when they arrived on the Square.

However, he gets a surprise when he spots Alfie – a face from the past.

Nicola is unsettled when she later finds her family gathered in The Vic. She then gets a further shock when she learns that Alfie has offered Gemma and Ned a place to stay.

 Priya struggles to keep her secret

Ravi urges Priya to tell the kids about their engagement.

When Priya later spots Chelsea and Vicki planning Kim and Howie's wedding, she asks to join them. It's not long before Cindy is asking for help with hers as well.

Feeling nauseous, Priya steps outside, where she bumps into Penny, who questions what's going on with her. Priya ends up telling Penny that she is pregnant but swears her to secrecy.

Rose continues to cause problems

Rose is continuing to cause chaos at Peacock Palace, leaving Linda and Elaine desperate to get rid of her.

Wanting to ease the tension, Gemma reaches out to Nicola but it's not long before she's clashing with Rose as well.

The Hawkins family later hatch a risky plan to resolve things between Nicola and Rose, but it just makes everything worse.

 Priya makes a big decision

Priya catches Nugget dealing weed and scolds him, prompting Max to step in.

Later, Priya recognises how much progress Ravi has made and decides to tell the kids about their engagement.

Ravi makes a shocking discovery

Ravi is delighted that his engagement to Priya is now out in the open but still wants to know about the man she was seeing.

When Max walks Priya home that evening, they share a moment outside her home, which is witnessed by Ravi.

Afterwards, Ravi grows increasingly suspicious of Max and continues to watch him closely.

The Hawkins' secret is revealed

Kat makes it clear that Gemma and Ned can't stay at The Vic for a second night.

The couple are relieved when Nicola has a change of heart and agrees to let them stay on a temporary basis.

However, Nicola soon learns the real reason why the Hawkins have arrived in Walford.

Max and Linda grow closer

Clive steps in and saves the day when a power cut threatens Linda and Elaine's bingo event.

Linda agrees to another date with Clive, but later shares a moment with Max when he helps Ollie on his first day of secondary school.

 Max and Howie prepare for their stag

Kim is disappointed by the focus on Max's stag and pushes Howie to socialise more.

Taking matters into her own hands, Kim tasks Denzel with planning his dad's night.

Feeling out of his depth, Denzel approaches Oscar about combining the stags, which he agrees to.

But what does Oscar have in store for Max?

 Linda struggles with her feelings

As Linda prepares for her date with Clive, she is left torn over her true feelings when she learns how Max played a key role in saving the community centre.

When Clive soon arrives with confirmation that the centre is now secure, Linda feels more conflicted than ever.

But with Max preparing for his stag, has she missed her chance with him?

EastEnders' Priya left with huge dilemma in baby paternity mystery

 Is it better to know the truth?

EastEnders' Priya Nandra-Hart was left with another big dilemma tonight (Tuesday, 25 August) as she wrestled with what to do after discovering she's pregnant. Priya found out last week that she was expecting but she doesn't know whether the baby's father is Ravi Gulati or Max Branning.

In recent weeks, Priya has found an unlikely friend in Jean Slater and has confided in her about her affair with Max and her pregnancy.

On yesterday's episode, Priya roped Jean in on her plan to get DNA from Ravi so she could get it tested and find out her baby's paternity.

While they were unsuccessful in collecting a sample from Ravi, they did get the DNA they needed from Max.

Tonight Priya sat in the car lot office with the envelope addressed to the DNA testing lab and confessed to Jean that she didn't know what to do.

Priya told Jean: "If I send this off and its Max's baby this could bring a world of pain to all of us."

But just as Jean told Priya she needed answers, Max came in causing Priya to hide the envelope. Once he left, Priya was still left asking Jean what she should do.

Later, in The Vic, Priya had to tell Jean to speak a bit more quietly as Cindy and Max weren't far away. Jean reminded Priya that Max and Cindy were getting married in two weeks and he should probably know if he's about to become a dad.

Priya eventually agreed, saying that the truth does always come out anyway and at least this way she would be in control.

But what will Priya do if she doesn't get the answer she wants?