Max Branning and DC Emma Summerhayes
EastEnders' Max Branning's illicit relationship with DC Emma Summerhayes is to be discovered in episodes airing next week.
The soap lothario - played by Jake Wood - will be desperate to keep his fling a secret when Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) stumbles in on the pair during a tryst at the Branning family home.
Max has already been ostracised by his fellow Walford residents due to his controversial romance with murdered youngster Lucy Beale prior to her death, but both he and Emma - who is the family liaison officer assigned to the murder case - know they're playing with fire by sleeping together.
Emma (Anna Acton) is determined to end the fling but she finds herself back in Max's arms a couple of days later.
Jay visits the house to leave some chocolates for Abi Branning, however, he inadvertently walks in on his girlfriend's father and the police officer.
Max begs Jay to keep what he's seen a secret, but viewers will be left wondering if the young mechanic will comply or reveal all to Abi.
Meanwhile, the Lucy Beale murder case will take a dramatic turn in upcoming episodes as Jake Stone - who was previously charged with the blonde's murder - is released from prison after sensational new evidence comes to light.
Tagged in Jake Wood Max Branning