EastEnders’ Ben star Max Bowden thanks fans after soap exit as he marks milestone
EastEnders star Max Bowden has celebrated his birthday with his nearest and dearest just days after it was revealed that he would be leaving the soap for pastures new
EastEnders favourite Max Bowden has thanked his fans after an influx of support following his birthday celebrations.
The TV star, who is known for playing Ben Mitchell on the soap, will be bowing out of Walford in mere months. While fans have been left devastated at the news, Max has been busy celebrating another year around the sun.
His birthday celebrations came shortly after it was revealed he would be leaving the soap, and while Max hasn’t addressed his exit, he’s been back on social media for the first time following the news. He reposted numerous stories wishing him a happy birthday before sharing his own tribute.
He wrote: “Been surrounded by love all day celebrating my birthday. Grateful for my family and friends. Thanks for all the messages. Big love x.”
The posts celebrating Max’s birthday followed an influx of fans sharing their “heartbreak” at his character leaving Walford. One user wrote on Facebook: “He’s a very good actor, it’s sad that it’s ending like this.”
While another said: “We don’t want another Ben, we like this one!” As a third wrote: “Noo I’m heartbroken.”
A source close to Max told Daily Star how the actor will leave the show indefinitely with his final scenes set to air in coming weeks. With his exit, it’s said BBC bosses are now torn whether to keep Ben Mitchell in the soap at all.
Max was the sixth actor to play Ben, being cast in the role just four years ago. A BBC insider said: “It has been a bit of a disaster but he has now left and won’t be coming back. Max came in and did a grand job in the role and fans did love him, but that is officially the end of the line for him on the soap.”
The star joined EastEnders in 2019 just one year after Harry Reid left the soap as the fifth son of Phil Mitchell. He quickly became a fan favourite, particularly as viewers followed his on-screen romance with Callum Highway.
He’s faced some big storylines since his return, and the character has had some huge run-ins throughout his time in Walford.
