BBC EastEnders Ben Mitchell tipped for soap return following axe
BBC EastEnders Ben Mitchell tipped for soap return following axe
EastEnders Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell, is set to make an iconic return to Albert Square later this year after two years away from the BBC soap with bosses keen to give his character a second chance.
Max Bowden could be reprising his role as Ben Mitchell
(Image: BBC / Jack Barnes )
EastEnders fans are in for a treat, as it seems another familiar face will make an iconic return to the soap later this year. Max Bowden, famed for his role as Ben Mitchell, is set to make a comeback two years on from his exit.
It comes as viewers were thrilled when it was announced that Jack Wood would be reprising his role of Max Branning. Now, there's one more to add to the list for fans of the BBC soap to look forward to.
Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell, will reportedly be back for a brief stint in the show later this year, with the possibility of coming back full time as reported by the Mirror.
The star was axed from the BBC soap back in December 2023 after fronting the role of Ben Mitchell for five years. His final scenes commenced in April the following year. The character left the show after being arrested for an international crime, and is now held in an American prison.
Ben, and his dad Phil, are still often mentioned in the soap. Reports at the time suggested that as Max's contract came to an end, bosses decided not to extend it. However, it's been reported that new boss Ben Wadey wants to give the star another chance.
Max's character Ben is currently in a US prison on EastEnders and only briefly mentioned
(Image: BBC )
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A source told the Sun of the reported return: 'Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It's taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.'
'Ben wanted to meet Max and see where his head was at," the source continued, revealing that the new boss went to see the actor in the musical Midnight Cowboy.
'Things hadn't ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start," the source continued. They then revealed that Max had "agreed to come back for a short stint" after Ben pitched a comeback storyline for the character.
"But who knows what will happen? It really does depend on Max," the source concluded.
Shortly after his onscreen exit last year, Max took to Instagram to write: "It's been one hell of a ride! Thanks for taking Ben to your hearts and allowing my version into your lives. I had an amazing five years at @bbceastenders and learnt a hell of a lot about myself and the craft I love so dearly; it got me through some very hard personal times and I will be forever grateful!
I really will never be able to thank everybody for the support enough, because the fans of the show are so passionate, caring, and invested and it enables us as actors to want to keep going and always be better; so I really do from the bottom of my heart appreciate every single person who has sent any sort of positivity my way over the last five years - I love you all. Ben Mitchell 6.0 over and out. Goodbye EE! I'll miss you all. X."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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