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Max returns to Walford just as Tanya teeters on the brink of self-destruction - but will Max discover the truth? Cora and Rainie are left reeling by a terrible revelation.

Max attempts to take control of the situation but is appalled by what he hears. Max comments on the state of Tanya, telling her she’s let herself go. Derek enters, re-introducing himself to the family. Max asks his brother to wait in the car where we see a blonde woman waiting. Tanya tells Max that she doesn’t need rescuing but Max is adamant he’s staying, threatening to get a brief and take the kids away from her as she’s not the perfect housewife she makes out to be- she’s a psycho. Lauren arrives back tearful and angry at her mother. When she almost reveals Tanya’s secret, Tanya slaps her before chucking Max out and losing control with the rest of her family. During the commotion Lauren blurts out that their mum has cancer. As the family come to terms with Lauren’s announcement Tanya puts on a hard front. During an emotional chat with Cora and Rainie, Tanya relives what it’s like to watch a parent die, criticising Cora for dumping their dying father in their faces before letting out a long held family secret-she helped their father to die. As Cora and Rainie struggle to take it all in Tanya locks herself in the bathroom and reaches for a bottle of pills. Unable to open the door Lauren runs to stop Max leaving, tearfully telling her dad that Tanya has cancer.
Pat is terrified to see Derek back on the Square. Forcing his way into her home Derek restrains Pat from calling the police, Pat visibly scared by his threatening presence. When Carol arrives, Derek informs her of what a disappointment she is, upset by her lack of loyalty and support. Carol admits it’s too late for that before warning him to leave Max alone.

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30 minutes

Audio described

Clip

Music Played

  • Johnny Kidd and the Pirates

    Shakin' All Over

  • The John Barry Seven

    Never Let Go

Credits

Role Contributor
Max Branning Jake Wood
Tanya Jessop Jo Joyner
Lauren Branning Jacqueline Jossa
Abi Branning Lorna Fitzgerald
Rainie Cross Tanya Franks
Cora Cross Ann Mitchell
Jack Branning Scott Maslen
Carol Jackson Lindsey Coulson
Derek Branning Jamie Foreman
Pat Evans Pam St Clement
Executive Producer Bryan Kirkwood
Director Nic Phillips
Writer Simon Ashdown

Broadcasts