JAKE Wood has paid tribute to his wife over social media on her birthday.
The EastEnders actor posted the sweet picture of the two of them smiling alongside the romantic caption: "Happy Birthday beautiful. I couldn't imagine a life without you."
The pair can be seen with huge smiles on their faces as they pose for a picture with a glass of bubbly in hand.
The dad-of-two, 48, renewed his wedding vows to wife Alison in 2018.
Asked the secret to the couple's 23-year romance, Max gushed: "We've spent half of our lives together.
"We've grown together and at every point we've always wanted the same things."
"Blokes in general struggle to talk about stuff so she's taught me how to do that. I think it's a work in progress but I do try to get things out."
The EastEnders favourite is leaving the soap after 15 years playing Max Branning.
The actor will depart the show later this year in an explosive storyline, The Sun Online can reveal – though the door will be left open for a comeback.
An insider said: "Sometimes in soapland big characters have to leave.
"Bosses are staying tight lipped about what they have planned for Max but considering he has played a major part in the show for over fifteen years they are clearly planning something big and he will not be departing Walford quietly.
"Everyone will be sad to see Jake go as he is not only a great person to have on set but he’s also a fantastic actor."
Talking about his departure from the show Jake said: "I’ve had 15 wonderful years at EastEnders and have made some truly great friends.
"I’ll of course miss everyone there but I’m grateful they have left the door open for Max and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds."
Executive producer Jon Sen added in a statement: "Jake is a truly wonderful actor and EastEnders have been extremely lucky to have him for so long.
"We have a big storyline for Max that starts in the coming weeks and we are all very excited to see that play out."
Jake first joined the soap as Max in 2006 and he later took a break in 2015 when the businessman was sent to prison in the soap.
More recently viewers have seen Max sell his half share of Walford East to Ian Beale – and be cheated out of the proceeds.
Over the next few weeks viewers will see Max become increasingly desperate to get his money back from Ian – but how far will he go and will it lead to his exit?
As Max, Jake has suffered his fair share of heartbreak and drama since arriving in Albert Square in 2006, but the actor first landed in Walford in 1990 as Diane Butcher's guardian angel, Jackson.
The star appeared in two episodes of the BBC One soap at the time, as part of a storyline about Diane sleeping rough.
Jake often stuns fans for other reasons than acting, with the star winning heat magazine's prestigious Weird Crush award multiple times over the years.
He recentlywowed followers as he showed off his dramatic body transformation on Instagram, flashing his six pack in the sweaty topless workout photo.
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