EastEnders fans are predicting that Jean Slater is the person Max Branning is arrested for trying to have killed in the New Year flashforward, after a scene with Priya Nandra-Hart reveals his true thoughts19:31, 06 Aug 2026EastEnders fans are worried for Jean Slater's future on the soap after tonight's episode. A scene between Priya Nandra-Hart and Max Branning has got some predicting that Jean might be the woman Max tries to have killed in the flashforward.‌In tonight's episode, Priya (Sophie Levy) revealed to Max (Jake Wood) that Jean (Gillian Wright) knew about their affair. Though Max was worried, as he knew Jean didn't like him, he calmly told Priya that she could blame it on Jean's medication and tell her that she was seeing things.‌Priya was shocked by Max's words, especially as she and Jean had started to bond over the past few episodes. Fans were also shocked, but this is not the first time Max has been so callous about Jean.‌Earlier this week, he used Jean as part of a joke when questioned about his promiscuous past by fiancee Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins). When asked if there was anyone in Walford he hadn't slept with, Max joked: "I don't think Jean has had the pleasure."One fan pointed out that Jean's dislike of Max was well-founded as he often goes after vulnerable women. After this, another suggested that this could be what puts Jean in danger.‌"Totally agree that Jean has got Max down to a T, but is anyone else a bit worried for her?" they asked. "That thing Max said in today's episode about basically gaslighting Jean into thinking she'd taken too many of her meds and didn't see Priya in his flat showed a complete lack of humanity from him."He's so blase about what is pretty much psychological abuse and also used her as the butt of a joke with Cindy (I'm thinking about the whole 'Jean's not had the pleasure thing'). He doesn't really see her as a person so with all these flashforward clues coming out, I am a bit worried about where this is leading for Jean."Referencing Jean's past "obsessive" interest in people she believed had wronged her, such as Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), whom she blamed for the exit of her daughter, the fan added: "Basically, I'm starting to wonder if she's who Max tries to have killed.‌"We know she can be a bit obsessive (see Zoe and Jasmine) so if she becomes close to Priya and starts threatening to expose Max later on, what will he do?"Another fan agreed: "I was worrying for Jean not only cos he's mentioned her twice in a week but it was the suggestion of blaming her meds. Past Max wouldn't think twice about putting people in danger or setting people up so I wonder if Jean needs to watch out here."‌Max will be arrested for soliciting a murder on New Year, as seen in the flashforward that aired on 1 January 2026. He has previously been involved in the deaths of three people and tried to kill three more.Back in 2012, he, his brother Jack (Scott Maslen), Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and nephew Joey (David Witts) allowed Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) to die after he suffered a heart attack by not getting him any help. In 2017, he accidentally killed Steven Beale (Aaron Sidwell) by pushing him onto the hard corner of a counter top.That same year, he indirectly caused his daughter Abi's (Lorna Fitzgerald) death when she fell from the roof of the Queen Vic after she climbed up to stop him from jumping.Article continues belowHe tried to kill Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) twice - once by proxy as he tried to get Steven to kill her, and once himself. He also tried to strangle Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) with Christmas lights and intended to kill Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) but was stopped by Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .