Max Cunningham is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Ben Sheriff from 1995 to 1997, and Matt Littler from 1997 to 2008.

[1] In 2008, Max was the second longest running character in Hollyoaks, after Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard).

Hollyoaks producer Phil Redmond decided to recast the character in 1997 when he found Matt Littler.

His death made Max look at life in a different way, deciding to spend less time with OB and open a new business, a burger van.

Max found himself engaged to Clare Devine, who he had previously hired as an event organiser for The Loft.

During Christmas in a secluded cottage, Max found out that Clare had tampered with his pills and realised OB was right about her.

Clare, who had built up many enemies in Hollyoaks, was pushed over a balcony at The Loft and was left for dead.

A high speed car chase led to Clare and Katy plummeting over a quarry into water below.

I wouldn't change a second of my time at Hollyoaks and working with Darren Jon Jefferies has been amazing – every second of it!

Hollyoaks producer Bryan Kirkwood commented on what the future holds for Littler, stating, "Matt, together with Darren Jon Jefferies have created a partnership in Max and O.B.

"[2] On their wedding day, Niall, still angry and upset over his break-up with Steph, raced off in his car, unknowingly towards Tom.

Max is devastated when he learns that Dawn Cunningham had an affair with Jack Osborne leading to their daughter Bethany, being put up for adoption.

Dawn later dies from with leukaemia and the family have several other tragedies over the years Max and his best friend OB, make up money-making schemes, and create their own single.

When his stepbrother Lewis commits suicide, Max decides to make the most of his life, opening a burger van and going on a date with Jodie Nash.

Max reveals his sensitive side in his affection for Anna Green, helping her during the difficult stages of her pregnancy.

Anna tells her boyfriend Alex Bell about the affair and she moves in with Max and her son Charlie.

Another tragedy hits Max whilst he, OB, Ben Davies, Kristian Hargreaves, Jamie Nash and Theo Sankofa go potholing.

Max is angered by Helen and Tony's actions towards his father so he warns them if they continue, he will tell Gordon.

Tony makes OB and Max managers of The Loft after the pair work hard to show him they are responsible.

Max and OB's first major decision for the club is to hire an events organiser, Clare Devine.

OB's girlfriend Mel Burton catches Clare having an affair with Sean Kennedy and tries to tell Max.

During a Christmas break at an isolated cottage, Max finds the tampered medication and realises the truth.

On seeing Tom supposedly in an icy lake, Max jumps in after him, however Clare has tricked him and refuses to help.

With their friendship back on track, Max and OB open a juice bar called MOBS.

After several failed attempts, Max finally tells Steph his true feelings and they begin a relationship.

For his portrayal of Max, Matt Littler won the 'Outstanding Serial Drama Performance' at the 2008 National Television Awards.

[6] The same year, Littler, along with Gemma Bissix (Clare), Jamie Lomas (Warren), Chris Fountain (Justin) and Hannah Tointon (Katy), won the award for 'Spectacular Scene of the Year' for Clare kidnapping Katy and driving the car over the edge of the cliff.

"[8] Virgin Media profiled Max and O.B's double act, stating: "This pair have fallen out more times than you can shake a stick at.

His colleague Lucy Lather disagreed, adding Hollyoaks "wouldn't be the same without Mandy and Max.