Max Bowden has made it to a list of actors leaving EastEnders recently. The 29-year-old actor is popular for portraying the role of Ben Mitchell in the soap. The EastEnders star will leave the soap in spring 2024, nearly five years after his debut in 2019. Bowden only recently broke the silence on his departure. It came after an EastEnders writer responded to the backlash on Ben’s exit. Why has the soap written Max’s Ben out, and what would be his endgame? Continue reading to know more about the actor’s departure from the soap.
The Reason Influencing Ben’s Exit
Max’s time in Walford as Ben Mitchell seems to be drawing to a close on EastEnders. The actor had been portraying the character for the past four years. He was also the sixth person to take over the long-running character. His character took center stage in some huge EastEnders plotlines. But do we know why the soap axed him?
The rumours exclusively stated that the soap’s showrunners decided not to renew Max’s contract for EastEnders. It’s coming to expire in March 2024. However , his off-screen social and love life is believed to be the primary reason for his axing. In addition, a TV insider revealed that Max had been in the news for unfit reasons, overshadowing the show. It led to his part getting written out. He added that Ben’s exit storyline is yet to be planned. However, Ben wouldn’t be killed off like other previous recasts.
What Did EastEnders Star Max Say On The Matter?
Max has not directly commented on his departure. The actor, who celebrated his birthday on New Year’s Eve, shared well wishes from fans on IG. He wrote, “Been surrounded by love all day celebrating my birthday,” to his 230,000 followers. He also thanked his family and friends followed by reposting a video montage from a fan. The same fan expressed her distress on X when the news of Max’s departure from EastEnders broke.
Subsequently, the long-running soap has faced backlash for eliminating fan favourite Max. It prompted the EastEnders writer Daran Little to hit back at viewers. He said he would block people accusing him of hating EastEnders characters. He spoke about the efforts and time required for the team to develop stories and characters. To create a balance and keep the 38-year-old soap fresh and relevant.
The spokeswoman for the soap wished Max for his future while confirming his departure. She also revealed that whether Ben’s potential return will be kept open remains uncertain. And that his exit plotline is yet to be planned.
The viewers are disheartened with another actor’s journey ending on the soap. What is your opinion on how Ben’s exit journey will play out? Tell us in the comments. Till then, keep returning to TV Season and Spoilers for more exciting updates on EastEnders.