Who Is AJ in EastEnders? The Young Branning at the Centre of Max’s Return

Understanding AJ’s Identity in EastEnders

AJ (Abi Jr) is Max Branning’s granddaughter, a character who has become central to recent storylines despite not appearing on screen. Abi Branning Jr is the daughter of Abi Branning and Steven Beale, born in tragic circumstances during the 2017 Christmas episodes.

The Tragic Origins of AJ’s Story

On Christmas Day 2017, Abi Branning fell from the roof of the Queen Vic whilst trying to stop her father Max from attempting suicide. Days after giving birth to her daughter, Abi was pronounced brain dead. Max named her baby Abi Branning in her memory, though she’s commonly referred to as AJ or Abi Jr to distinguish her from her late mother.

Current Storyline and Max’s Return

In December 2024, Max Branning returned to Walford following his son Oscar’s hospitalisation. Max explained that he was going to bring his granddaughter AJ but she was staying with Tanya while he was here, and he told Linda that he would be sticking around and had plans to bring AJ to Walford. However, drama quickly unfolded when Lauren later exposed she’d spoken to Tanya and she knows that AJ hasn’t actually been living with him.

Where Is AJ Now?

AJ is now living with Tanya – a decision which was apparently his granddaughter’s. This revelation has added another layer of complexity to Max’s character, suggesting he has been dishonest about his relationship with his granddaughter and raising questions about what secrets he might be hiding from his family in Walford.