But while the Brannings play happy families, Lauren unwittingly moves a step closer to exposing her dad’s affair with Stacey!
When Tanya’s waters break, the expectant mum can’t make it to the hospital.
Max has to perform midwife duties – and the couple are overjoyed when their son Oscar becomes Albert Square’s newest arrival.
“Max and Tanya couldn’t be happier!” smiles Jo Joyner, who plays the new mum. “It isn’t the birth they had planned, but Max brilliantly delivers their baby at home.
“It’s at times like these that you can see why Tanya loves Max. He’s a caring family man who loves his kids.”
The drama begins when Tanya and the girls are at home. Tanya’s waters suddenly break and she realises the baby is on the way. Max is nowhere to be found, as he is in R&R with Jack and has left his phone behind.
Increasingly desperate as her contractions start, Tanya calls Jack. He tells Max that his wife is in labour and he hurries home.
Max tries to comfort Tanya, but she doesn’t think they can get to the hospital in time.
“Max takes Tanya through the advanced stages of labour,” explains Jo. “They have called an ambulance, but it hasn’t arrived yet.”
Tanya screams at her hubby to call their midwife Helen. She can’t make it in time but she talks Max through the birth over the phone and he delivers their new tot.
Later, as mother and baby rest in hospital, Tanya honours her promise to let Abi choose the baby’s name. Max is not happy when she calls the little lad Oscar!
“Max is incredulous, but Tanya likes it!” says Jo. “So he goes along with it.
“I’m just relieved that Tanya has given birth because I don’t have to wear a fake bump on set any more!”
The Branning family visit the hospital to congratulate the proud parents.
Stacey tells Max to look after his family and he repeats the sentiments to his former lover. For the first time, it looks like the past is the past and they can both move on.
However, Lauren is preparing a surprise gift for her parents – a video of Stacey and Bradley’s wedding. But she doesn’t know it has the explosive footage of Max and Stacey kissing on it!
