Jake Wood finds filming for 'EastEnders' "hard work."
Jake Wood as Max Branning
The 45-year-old actor reprised his role as loveable bad boy Max Branning in the long-running soap last year after taking two years out to focus on other work and, although he thoroughly enjoys working on the programme again, he sometimes find his filming schedule too demanding.
He explained to OK! magazine: "Some weeks I can be really busy, but others less son - it all balances out. We're building up for the Christmas episodes so we're really busy. I've been back a year since my break. I love working there. There are exciting things happening and Max is a big part of them. It is hard work filming them because it's full-on for us, but I think it'll be worthwhile."
However, although he's excited for the festive season, the hunk is sad because his on-screen daughters Lorna Fitzgerald and Jacqueline Jossa - who play Abi and Lauren - will be leaving.
He said: "I don't know exactly when they'll be going, but Max will be in and around that. It'll be sad to see them go. I've known Lorna since she was 10 years old and so she feels like part of my family. But I've got every faith they'll go on to incredible stuff. They're both so talented."
But Jake - who has portrayed the suave businessman on and off since 2006 - is worried it may be the end of the road for his alter ego once the girls leave in a bid to revitalise the show for 2018.
He said recently: "Obviously them leaving will affect Max in a massive way.
"I'm waiting to hear what will happen. The Branning family is shrinking - there are just a couple of us left now. There are no guarantees."
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