There’s a shock exit in store for a fan favourite EastEnders character

They're going to be taking some time from Albert Square.

EastEnders' actor Jake Wood - who plays Max Branning - is set to take some time away from the long-running soap next year. And it looks like his exit may be very soon. The actor is set to take his popular boxing podcast, Pound For Pound, on a live tour that kicks off on January 19. The tour will run until the end of February. He shared a full listing of tour dates on Twitter, where he said he was "buzzing" and that he "can't wait to get out on the road" with the tour. https://twitter.com/mrjakedwood/status/1044872846135218177 A spokesperson for the soap told DigitalSpy that he would he taking a small break from the soap next year. However, they didn't specify what this actually means for his character. Max is currently caught up in a bit of a tricky situation after he tied the knot with Rainie Cross. It was originally meant to be a sham marriage to get custody of baby Abi, but has recently become more serious. But after Max found out that Rainie had a one-night-stand with his brother, Jack...well, it looks like there's going to be plenty of drama ahead.

• EastEnders will continue Thursday night on BBC One.