Max departed Albert Square temporarily in late 2011 after on-off partner Tanya had rejected him, and soon began spending time with his bad boy brother Derek in Manchester. Derek later reminded Max that Tanya would not be happy if she ever found out what he had been up to during his time away.
© BBC
© BBC
As viewers will see Max turn down a marriage proposal from Tanya next week, Wood has suggested that the mysterious Manchester trip could still be playing on his mind.
Asked why Max rejects Tanya's heartfelt suggestion, Wood told Soaplife: "It could be to do with something that happened while he was away in Manchester with Derek. There may be one or two hurdles in the way of Max marrying Tanya."
Teasing what those hurdles could be, he continued: "I can't tell you what the problem is, but I can tell you it's massive."
Wood added that he is still unsure over what the future holds for Max's relationship following the news that Jo Joyner, who plays Tanya, will be taking a break from EastEnders in 2013.
He said: "It depends how they write Jo out. She's having a break to spend time with her babies, so she will be back."
Promising that Max will not become a spare part, Wood added: "Max and Tanya work really well together, but I also think Max is just as interesting on his own. Last time Tanya wasn't around, he found Vanessa."
EastEnders bosses yesterday unveiled Max as one of the suspects in Kat Moon's affair mystery.
