'EastEnders' Spoiler: First Look At Max Branning's Trial And The Judicial Staff Who'll Oversee The Lucy Beale Murder Case (PIC)

'EastEnders': First Look At The Motley Crew Who'll Decide Max's Fate
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EastEnders’ bosses have given fans a first look at Max Branning’s upcoming murder trial.

MORE 'EASTENDERS':

The car salesman, played by Jake Wood, will take to the dock next week, as he stands accused of killing Lucy Beale.

The sneak peek pic from next week’s episodes reveals who will be overseeing the courtroom drama.

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Max Branning will face this motley crew in court

Leading the prosecution will be Hazel Warren, who is played by the esteemed Clare Higgins.

Star of the stage and screen, Clare is best known for her roles in ‘Vincent in Brixton’, ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’, ‘The Secret Rapture’ and ‘Hellraiser’.

On taking on the role, Clare said: “I had such a great time at 'EastEnders'. It was a privilege to be part of such an exciting storyline and work with such a fantastic group of actors.”

Overseeing the proceedings will be Judge Anthony Abego, played Jeffery Kissoon, who is best known for his role in ‘Grange Hill’, as well as multiple theatre roles.

Fighting Max’s corner will be Marcus Christie, long-time enemy of the Mitchells, played by Stephen Churchett.

Suzette Llewellyn will take on the role of Clerk of the Court and Rupert Holliday Evans will play foreperson of the jury, John Cooksey.

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Will Max be found guilty?

Of course, fans know that Max is not guilty, with Lucy’s half-brother Bobby being her killer. But with Jake Wood bowing out of the soap on a year’s break, things are not looking too good for Max.

The trial isn’t the only exciting thing happening in Albert Square next week as Max’s daughter Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) will make a fleeting return, and end up giving birth.

Sharon Mitchell is also about to come face-to-face with Kathy Beale. But how will Sharon react when she learns that she faked her own death?