By Michael Adams

Copyright metro

The end of an era in today’s EastEnders (Picture: BBC/Metro)

This article contains spoilers for tonight’s episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be streamed now on iPlayer.

Not one, not two, but four Walford residents have driven out of their infamous corner of East London after an emotional week.

It all happened in the wake of Max Branning’s (Jake Wood) surprise return amid his daughter Lauren’s (Jacqueline Jossa) wedding.

Given the love rat made many an enemy during his initial stint, there was some serious unfinished business to address.

Luckily for him, he managed to escape a confrontation with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), who wants to address the death of her son Steven – something he was responsible for.

Her ex-hubby Ian (Adam Woodyatt) could see a storm brewing, and managed to convince her that he was long gone.

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But he wasn’t. Max was very much still in Albert Square, having faced off with the Slater clan.

Max begs for forgiveness with Stacey

Yesterday’s doof doof saw Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) witness a kiss between Max and her cousin Zoe (Michelle Ryan).

She had no idea of their previous relationship, or the fact he was helping her look for her son which she put up for adoption in 2006.

In today’s instalment, furious, Stace’ stormed into The Vic and made a huge public spectacle, announcing what she’d learnt in front of her nearest and dearest.

Max and Zoe were caught locking lips (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

Stacey was left furious (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

She simply couldn’t believe that Max was the changed man he was trying to make himself out to be, and knew that wherever he was, trouble would follow.

It was because of this that she had the split-second decision to flip her decision against moving to Brazil, and began to pack her bags.

There are simply far too many ghosts for Stacey in Albert Square.

Meanwhile, Zoe begged for his forgiveness and asked for a second chance on their relationship. He reaffirmed that they were bad for one another, bringing tears to her eyes.

Lauren cuts ties with her dad

Another local to be unwilling to believe Max’s changed ways was Lauren, who had seen his destructive behaviour tear through the community one too many times.

Lauren’s wedding day was ruined (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

Oscar was left devastated after being abandoned by his dad again (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

She was gobsmacked when he said they were more alike than she thought, and that she was just as capable.

Lauren said her new marriage to Peter Beale (Thomas Law) was a way of preventing herself from ending up in the same mess her dad has found himself in countless times, and that she didn’t want him anywhere near her.

For her poor brother Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier), he wanted to build a relationship with his estranged father.

But Max new that couldn’t happen.

Walking out, he said he couldn’t ruin his life in the same way he’s ruined his own.

Stacey decides to leave

An exciting opportunity for Stacey and youngsters Hope and Arthur to live in Sao Paolo was presented, and she was now determined to take it.

Max watched from afar as she said goodbye to her family, an emotional farewell that seemed to signify the end of her story.

Stacey said goodbye to her family (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

The blame was pinned on Zoe (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

She hugged eldest daughter Lily (Lillia Turner) tightly, but there was one person missing – her mum Jean (Gillian Wright).

For hours she’d been stuck on a broken down tube, suffering a panic attack at the thought of not being there to support her daughter during what seemed to be a troubling moment.

She’d heard whispers of the drama from Mo Harris (Laila Morse), and wanted to reassure Stace’ that although she’d made several mistakes as a parent over the years, she wanted to rectify that.

Sadly, Stacey, Hope and Arthur had already began driving towards the airport when Jean strolled home.

This isn’t the last we’ve seen of Max… (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

Lily blamed Zoe for Stacey’s exit, prompting her to order the troublesome family member out of her house.

Meanwhile, Max, having been knocked back from Stacey again, tried to call her. She let her phone roll into a voicemail, before listening to his hopes that they will see one another again some time.

As he drove off into the shadows, she and the kids began a new life.

But is this the last we’ve seen of Stacey and Max?

Something tells us that Max will be home sooner or later…