By Michael Adams

Copyright metro

It’s the reunion we’ve all been anticipating – Max and Stacey! (Picture: BBC)

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.

Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) has opened up to Max Branning (Jake Wood) during an emotional reunion.

Jaws hit the floor in yesterday’s instalment when the love rat finally set foot back in Walford for the first time in four years, right in time to scoop up daughter Lauren’s (Jacqueline Jossa) wedding bouquet after she threw it.

She was less than impressed by his sudden appearance, warning brother Oscar (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) not to get too comfortable as it was unlikely he’d be sticking around.

But for Max, he had some unfinished business to address prior to catching up with his kids…

Max and Stacey come face to face

These two have a lot of history.

Who can forget when their affair was exposed in explosive fashion in front of their families on Christmas Day in 2007?

Who can forget when their affair was exposed? (Picture: BBC)

Max returned to Albert Square earlier in the week (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

It’s a moment that has gone down in EastEnders history, and with actress Lacey Turner announcing her exit earlier this year, viewers wondered whether Stacey would ever share screen time with Max again.

In fact, just a few weeks ago, Jake Wood teased that it may not happen.

‘We know Lacey Turner is going on an extended break, and whether his paths cross with Stacey you’ll have to wait and see,’ he told us.

‘She’s on her own. Max isn’t quite. There’ll always be a connection between Max and Stacey, an emotional connection.

‘Whether the timing is right for them to reconnect I’m not sure.’

As they saw one another for the first time in years in today’s instalment, Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) ushered Stacey upstairs so that she could escape his gaze.

Little does she realise, Max had a brief relationship with her cousin Zoe (Michelle Ryan) earlier this year, and it’s clear that sparks are still flying between the two.

His eye is still on Zoe (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

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

Stacey flees – and Max follows

Rushing home, Stacey was alarmed to see that Max had followed her. He explained that he was saddened to hear of her ex-husband Martin Fowler’s (James Bye) death in February, and that he hoped she was okay.

As we know, Stace’ has struggled immensely in the wake of his heartbreaking passing, and even contemplated a new life in Brazil.

In a sudden change of heart, she decided against the idea earlier in the week.

Worried about Max’s intentions, Stacey put on a tough façade but eventually caved, letting him into the house for a glass of wine.

Tears filled his eyes as she opened up about her grief, with him coyly admitting that he genuinely loved her, and that he still misses what he had.

Stacey said that Martin was the love of her life (Picture: BBC / Kieron McCarron)

Stacey reveals where her heart lies

Stacey agreed that she was very much in love with him too, but wondered whether she now just mourns that time in her life when she was younger and care-free.

As Max began edged closer to her, she outright said that Martin was the love of her life.

Despite that, the sexual tension was still bubbling beneath the surface. Stacey knew that and asked him to leave, knowing that they were about to kiss.

Luckily, Zoe interrupted before they could make a nasty mistake. But the drama didn’t stop there!

Stacey received a huge shock (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

She spotted Max and Zoe kissing! (Picture: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)

Zoe and Max are caught out!

Max had told Stace’ that seeing her again had made him consider sticking around in Walford, but we all know the real reason why – Zoe.

She wanted Stacey out of her hair so that she could pursue a proper relationship, urging her to get on the plane to Brazil and start afresh.

Later, Zoe caught up with Max outside of The Queen Vic.

He assured her that he was there for her, but worried that their relationship was too chaotic and that they were too similar.

That wasn’t going to stop Zoe, though. She leaned in for a kiss, unaware that Stacey was watching from across the Square.