EastEnders villain Max Branning gets married to former sister-in-law and drug addict Rainie Cross in shocking whirlwind marriage
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EastEnders villain Max Branning has managed to shock viewers once again by marrying Rainie Cross.
The Walford bad boy, who is supposed to be rebuilding bridges after nearly destroying Albert Square, unveiled his blushing bride to his stunned family and neighbours.
Max couldn't have picked a worse wife to run the car lot with - as Rainie is his former sister-in-law and a massive drug addict.
Tanya's sister, who was last seen at Abi's bedside earlier this year as doctors switched off her life support machine, made an explosive return as she walked into E20.
The identity of Max's bride was hidden as they tied the knot at the registry office in front of his nephew Robbie Jackson.
(Image: BBC)
(Image: BBC)
Grinning Max confessed she "looked good" while holding her hand, then asked for the "short version" of the ceremony.
He invited most of his neighbours to celebratory drinks to introduce his new wife, which took place at E20 after the Carters refused to host it at the Queen Vic.
Ian Beale, who asked if Max had married Cruella de Vil or Lady Macbeth, eagerly anticipated the reveal.
(Image: BBC)
Jack was disappointed that he hadn't seen his brother in eight weeks and that he hadn't mentioned he was getting married.
While furious Kat Slater, who got drunk at the free bar with Big Mo, slammed Max for ruining Stacey's marriage.
After a heated argument, boozed-up Kat went to slap Max, but was stopped by his new wife.
Making a dramatic entrance, Rainie said: "Please don't. I don't want my wedding night spent in A&E."
The happy couple then shared a kiss in front of their stunned guests.
(Image: BBC)
Mortified EastEnders viewers took to Twitter after watching the shocking scenes.
One viewer said: "Max MARRIED Rainie?! Tanya’s sister?! What the actual f***"
"WTF #EastEnders #Max & #Rainie why oh why... this just gets more ridiculous," added another.
A third agreed: "Max married...Rainie? Tanya’s sis? Lol #Eastenders are really reaching with these storylines"
(Image: BBC)
Rainie, who first appeared in August 2007, will return permanently to the soap for the first time in three years.
Tanya's younger sister has caused chaos during her last visits, most famously starting a drunken affair with Phil Mitchell and sleeping with Ian Beale for money.
But actress Tanya Franks has promised Rainie has cleaned up her act and viewers will find out what she's like without relying on substances.
Speaking the marriage to Max, she said: "Nobody in the world wants either one of them, but both of them have to look to at a new pathway. It’s a bit like a kindred spirit from opposing ends of the scale. Two people that absolutely loathe each other, but actually there’s a lot of similarity between the two for different reasons."
She added: "I would say nobody would imagine what it’s like for Rainie and Max to be together so the only way to discover how potentially successful or disastrous this could be is just to view it and find out."
*EastEnders continues on Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm