Max was seen by many as the black sheep of his family and was, like his elder brother Jimmy, a lot less hard-headed than a "typical King". He did not work for the family business King & Sons like his brothers as he had recently finished university, where he had trained to be a vet, and then went on an around-the-world trip. He came to Emmerdale for his father's wedding, planning to continue his trip later but Tom got him a job at Paddy Kirk's practice after telling him that if he continued on his travels he would need to support himself.