EastEnders spoilers follow.
Max Branning and Linda Carter shared a shocking kiss in EastEnders.
Viewers have seen the pair growing increasingly close in recent weeks, as Max (Jake Wood) has leaned on Linda (Kellie Bright) for support over his growing financial problems.
It was Linda who first tipped off Max that his business partner Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) was scamming him out of money from his divorce by revealing Ian was struggling to keep up with the cash flow at the Vic.
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In Friday's (October 2) episode, Max and Sharon (Letitia Dean) tried to support Linda at The Prince Albert's Drag Bingo event since Mick (Danny Dyer) was worried about her being around so much alcohol.
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Linda did struggle, ultimately giving into temptation by having a sip of alcohol – when she was caught in the act by Max!
The two had a heart-to-heart where Linda explained how hard it was for her on a daily basis to cope with her addiction to alcohol.
When Linda guessed that Max thought she was "awful", he showed compassion by revealing that he used to self-harm when he first came out of prison.
"You're allowed to slip up, Linda. Don't be ashamed of it. It don't make you a bad person, it just makes you like everyone else," he said.
Later, as Linda stepped outside for some air, Max returned to comfort her, but ultimately leaned for a kiss that she reciprocated after initial hesitation.
Linda pulled back after a few seconds, insisting that she had to go while Max desperately tried to explain himself.
"Linda, Linda, please," Max begged as the duff-duff ended Friday night's episode.
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What will this bombshell passion mean for the Carters' marriage?
EastEnders continues on Monday (October 5) at 8.05pm on BBC One.
Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website. Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
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