EastEnders star Jake Wood has revealed why he has decided to take a break from the show. The actor, who plays Max Branning in the popular soap, explained on This Morning that he is looking forward to some family time. Jake Wood as his character (image:BBC). He explained: “I decided to take a year break. I’ve been there for nine years, done just under a thousand episodes, so nine years without a break and I’ve got two small children at home, so it’ll be nice to reacquaint myself with the family. It felt the right time to take a break. “I literally have nothing planned, nothing lined up. The time felt right to take a break and to give the character a break off screen – but I’m really honoured to have signed a contract to go back. But you know what family life is like – I’m busier now than when I was on EastEnders!” Max was recently found guilty of murder (image:BBC). Jake will be returning to Albert Square in 2016 which gives an indication of where his currently storyline (this week he was found guilty of Lucy Beale’s murder) might end up. He said: “They’re going to work my break into the story. So Max is either on the run or gets recaptured. It'll be interesting to see what plays out. I think it's really still an interesting storyline in terms of the Beales.”