EastEnders actor Jake Wood has made a heartfelt public appeal for support after a beloved member of the soap's crew suffered a horrific accident while on holiday in Colombia.
A Desperate Situation and a Miraculous Survival
The star, famous for playing Max Branning on the BBC One serial drama, took to his Instagram stories to share the story of Connor, an electrician who works on the EastEnders set. Connor was travelling in Colombia over the Christmas period when he fell from an 11-storey building. The incident left him in a coma for nine days, during which he underwent multiple life-saving surgeries.
His mother has described his survival as nothing short of a 'miracle'. She has since flown out to be with him as he continues his recovery. The family is now facing substantial medical bills and the complex challenge of eventually getting Connor back home to the UK.
Cast Rally Around with Donations and Support
In his social media plea, Jake Wood wrote: 'Connor one of our work colleagues, who works as an electrician on the set, has had a terrible accident... It's a miracle that he has survived.' He directed his followers to a GoFundMe page set up in Connor's name, stating that money is 'desperately needed' to cover healthcare costs.
Wood emphasised Connor's character, calling him a 'top man' who is respected by everyone at the BBC studios. His call to action has spurred a significant response from both the public and his fellow cast members.
A host of EastEnders stars have already contributed to the fundraiser. They include Scott Maslen, Jessie Wallace, Diane Parish, Gillian Taylforth, Emma Barton, Colin Salmon, and Adam Woodyatt. As of now, the campaign has raised over £26,000, swiftly approaching its stated goal of £30,000.
Road to Recovery: A Positive Update from Family
Victoria Dean, who organised the GoFundMe page, provided an encouraging update on Connor's condition on January 2. She reported that after nine days in a coma, he is now off mechanical ventilation and breathing with minimal support.
While he remains in the Intensive Care Unit under light sedation, he is aware of his mother Denise's presence and is responding to her. A planned surgery was delayed but is hoped to be rescheduled for the following week.
In her update, Dean expressed profound gratitude, writing: 'Thank you so much for all of your support, it really means the world to all of us.' The fundraiser remains active as the family works to manage the ongoing financial pressures of his care and repatriation.
The incident coincides with Jake Wood's recent return to the EastEnders square in December 2025. His character, Max Branning, featured in the show's flashforward episode on New Year's Day, which teased dramatic storylines set for 2027.
