Latest news with #MaxBowden
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders fans convinced star has QUIT BBC soap after ‘disappearing' from screens without explanation
EastEnders fans are convinced one star has quit the BBC soap after 'disappearing' from screens without explanation. Lexi Pearce, played by Isabella Brown, has not been seen on-screen since the show's 40th anniversary episodes, which aired four months ago, back in February. The character, whose parents are Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and the late Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), is about to turn 13 - but is nowhere to be found. She was played by Dotti-Beau Cotterill from 2012 until 2015, when the character left Walford for Newcastle with her mother Lola, who was seeking a better life there. Isabella took over playing the character in 2019 when the mum and daughter duo made their return to E20. But fans on discussion site Reddit are now worried the young actress might have left the soap - and could be replaced, as many child stars have been over the years. One viewer wrote on discussion site Reddit: 'Anyone know what's happening with Lexi? 'She hasn't been seen since the 40th anniversary and was rather absent prior to that too... 'With only nine appearances this year, I wouldn't be shocked to see her return with a new head [played by a new actress].' Another said: 'Looks wise, the actress reminds me a lot of the old Amy Mitchell so I wonder if they'll recast her soon to someone older/older looking.' Someone else hoped this would not happen: 'I hope she doesn't get recast. She's a great actress and it's nice to see a realistic looking teenager. Most teens are played by adults.' Some wondered if there was quite a simple explanation: 'Not every character has to be on screen all the time. It's one of the perks of having an ensemble cast.' Meanwhile, another stated, 'She's a child and has school', with someone else arguing back: 'So do the other child actors we see on a more regular basis.' Other commenters made the point other child characters have taken long breaks too, including Lily, Hope and Arthur - so Lexi's absence is not necessarily unusual. Fans on discussion site Reddit (pictured) are now worried the young actress might have left the soap - and could be replaced, as many child stars have been over the years But some felt even those characters have had more screen time than Lexi: 'Also, Lexi could be considered a legacy character seeing as Ben Mitchell is her dad and Lola is dead. So you would think they would want to show more of her.' Many fans hoped to see her back soon: 'I assume we'll be seeing more of her later in the year. 'Her and Lola's birthdays are coming up in July so it'd be nice if the show addressed it.' Amid the heavy debate, one fan tried to reassure all their fellow commenters: 'Lexi isn't going anywhere, she's just waiting her turn.' They made the point the actress is now at secondary school with a greater academic workload outside the show - so might just be taking some time off for that. Also, with a large ensemble cast now, it is hard to get screen time: 'It becomes even more the case for child actors who are not only more difficult to rota around (due to school commitments) but are also subject to child labour laws.' Her character Lexi is also unlikely to get a prominent role on-screen until her father Ben makes a permanent return, they argued. They also referred to the example of Lily Slater (Lillia Turner), the daughter of long-running character Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner): 'We had a big period of screen time for Lily, followed by ages off screen. 'Then recently she had all the Martin stuff [Lily's adopted father, who died earlier this year, and is played by James Bye] and now she's gone for ages again so the actress can do her GCSEs. It's just the way it is!' It follows fans raising similar concerns in December last year about another long absence Lexi had from the show. This came after Lexi's mother Lola tragically passed away from a terminal brain cancer diagnosis. To make matters worse, the young girl's father Ben was then jailed for fraud. But to the delight of fans, Lexi made her return for the soap's huge 40th anniversary week episodes in February this year. And actress Isabella's agent has previously confirmed she would continue to star as Lexi 'throughout 2025'. EJC Management posted on Instagram in December, saying: 'So very proud of this young lady! 'Our incredible Isabella Brown will continue to play the brilliant Lexi Peace throughout 2025 in BBC EastEnders. 'Isabella joined the square six years ago and seeing her grow as an actress is such a joy! 'Her dedication, drive, professionalism and work ethic is so inspiring from someone so young. 'She has had some amazing storylines and we can't wait to see what 2025 has in store for Lexi!'
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders fans predict recast after huge character is rumoured to return – and it's a familiar face
EASTENDERS fans reckon a recast is on the cards with a very familiar face taking over. BBC viewers are convinced a legendary Walford resident is making a comeback. 4 New EastEnders boss wants Max Bowden to return as Ben Mitchell Credit: BBC 4 But fans think actor Daniel Delaney (who played younger Phil) would make a better Ben Credit: BBC EastEnders favourite Max Bowden is set for a dramatic return as Ben Mitchell - months after his shock exit from the soap. The actor, who played the troubled Mitchell for five years, left Albert Square last year after Ben was extradited to the US for credit card fraud. The Sun has revealed Max could be back on screen sooner than fans think, with bosses lining him up for a guest stint - and a possible full-time comeback on the cards. A source said that the soap's new producer Ben Wadey had a "list of characters he wanted to bring back" after taking over from Chris Clenshaw, with Ben Mitchell being one of them. But fans think the next actor to play Ben should be Daniel Delaney, the actor who portrayed a younger version of Phil in two spin off episodes. Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: "Not only is he the spitting image of Steve McFadden but he's also a fantastic young actor too. "It wouldn't be the first time someone has played two characters in the same show either." Daniel Delaney played a younger Phil Mitchell in the flashback episodes during Phil's psychosis storyline. The actor was praised for both his resemblance to Steve McFadden and his powerful performance. The episode even won the award for Best Single Episode at this year's British Soap Awards. Coronation Street and Emmerdale humiliated at British Soap Awards as rival soap wins EIGHT gongs EastEnders managed to secure a total of eight wins in its 40th anniversary year. Meanwhile, addressing his EastEnders exit last year, Max Bowden admitted he was suffering from burnout and knew it was time to step away. 'The important thing was my time was ready. I was very tired, and like I said, I wasn't me, I wasn't,' he said candidly. 'The Max sat in front of you today was kind of a ghost - and they recognised that. I recognised that.' British Soap Awards 2025: Winners List Here's who took home trophys at the 2025 British Soap Awards Best Single Episode - Eastenders: Phil's Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985 Best Young Performer - Emmerdale Scene Of The Year - Eastenders: Angie Watts' Shock Return Best Newcomer - Hollyoaks: Isabelle Smith as Frankie Osborne Villain Of The Year - Eastenders: Navin Chowdhry as Nish Panesar Best Family - Hollyoaks: The Osbornes Best Dramatic Performance - Eastenders: Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell Best On-Screen Partnership - Eastenders: Rudolph Walker & Angela Wynter as Patrick & Yolande Trueman Outstanding Achievement Award - Coronation Street: David Neilson Best Comedy Performance - Eastenders: Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson The Tony Warren Award - Emmerdale: Mike Plant Best Storyline - Hollyoaks: Sibling Sexual Abuse Best Leading Performer - Eastenders: Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater Best British Soap - Eastenders He continued: "I did nearly six hundred episodes in five years, which is a hell of a lot, and it was time for a rest. "The character was tired, I was tired, they [the producers] were probably tired of me being tired. "From an honest perspective, I think yeah, a lot of it was that I needed to go for a bit. "I needed to go work on me, get myself back to a place of really good mental health, focus on healing and also be a dad." 4 Viewers were blown away by Daniel's performance Credit: BBC
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans predict recast after huge character is rumoured to return – and it's a familiar face
EASTENDERS fans reckon a recast is on the cards with a very familiar face taking over. BBC viewers are convinced a legendary Walford resident is making a comeback. 4 4 EastEnders favourite Max Bowden is set for a dramatic return as Ben Mitchell - months after his shock exit from the soap. The actor, who played the troubled Mitchell for five years, left Albert Square last year after Ben was extradited to the US for credit card fraud. The Sun has revealed Max could be back on screen sooner than fans think, with bosses lining him up for a guest stint - and a possible full-time comeback on the cards. A source said that the soap's new producer Ben Wadey had a "list of characters he wanted to bring back" after taking over from Chris Clenshaw, with Ben Mitchell being one of them. But fans think the next actor to play Ben should be Daniel Delaney, the actor who portrayed a younger version of Phil in two spin off episodes. Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: "Not only is he the spitting image of Steve McFadden but he's also a fantastic young actor too. "It wouldn't be the first time someone has played two characters in the same show either." Daniel Delaney played a younger Phil Mitchell in the flashback episodes during Phil's psychosis storyline. The actor was praised for both his resemblance to Steve McFadden and his powerful performance. The episode even won the award for Best Single Episode at this year's British Soap Awards. Coronation Street and Emmerdale humiliated at British Soap Awards as rival soap wins EIGHT gongs EastEnders managed to secure a total of eight wins in its 40th anniversary year. Meanwhile, addressing his EastEnders exit last year, Max Bowden admitted he was suffering from burnout and knew it was time to step away. 'The important thing was my time was ready. I was very tired, and like I said, I wasn't me, I wasn't,' he said candidly. 'The Max sat in front of you today was kind of a ghost - and they recognised that. I recognised that.' He continued: "I did nearly six hundred episodes in five years, which is a hell of a lot, and it was time for a rest. "The character was tired, I was tired, they [the producers] were probably tired of me being tired. "From an honest perspective, I think yeah, a lot of it was that I needed to go for a bit. "I needed to go work on me, get myself back to a place of really good mental health, focus on healing and also be a dad." 4
The Irish Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders fans predict recast after huge character is rumoured to return – and it's a familiar face
EASTENDERS fans reckon a recast is on the cards with a very familiar face taking over. BBC viewers are convinced a legendary Advertisement 4 New EastEnders boss wants Max Bowden to return as Ben Mitchell Credit: BBC 4 But fans think actor Daniel Delaney (who played younger Phil) would make a better Ben Credit: BBC EastEnders favourite The actor, who played the troubled Mitchell for five years, left The Sun has revealed Max could be back on screen sooner than fans think, with bosses lining him up for a guest stint - and a possible full-time comeback on the cards. A source said that the Advertisement read more on eastenders But fans think the next actor to play Ben should be Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: "Not only is he the spitting image of Steve McFadden but he's also a fantastic young actor too. "It wouldn't be the first time someone has played two characters in the same show either." Daniel Delaney played a younger Phil Mitchell in the flashback episodes during Phil's psychosis storyline. Advertisement Most read in Soaps The actor was praised for both his resemblance to Steve McFadden and his powerful performance. The episode even won the award for Best Single Episode at this year's Coronation Street and Emmerdale humiliated at British Soap Awards as rival soap wins EIGHT gongs EastEnders managed to secure a total of Meanwhile, addressing his EastEnders exit last year, Max Bowden admitted he was suffering from burnout and knew it was time to step away. Advertisement 'The important thing was my time was ready. I was very tired, and like I said, I wasn't me, I wasn't,' he said candidly. 'The Max sat in front of you today was kind of a ghost - and they recognised that. I recognised that.' British Soap Awards 2025: Winners List Here's who took home trophys at the 2025 British Soap Awards Best Single Episode - Eastenders: Phil's Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985 Best Young Performer - Emmerdale Scene Of The Year - Eastenders: Angie Watts' Shock Return Best Newcomer - Hollyoaks: Isabelle Smith as Frankie Osborne Villain Of The Year - Eastenders: Navin Chowdhry as Nish Panesar Best Family - Hollyoaks: The Osbornes Best Dramatic Performance - Eastenders: Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell Best On-Screen Partnership - Eastenders: Rudolph Walker & Angela Wynter as Patrick & Yolande Trueman Outstanding Achievement Award - Coronation Street: David Neilson Best Comedy Performance - Eastenders: Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson The Tony Warren Award - Emmerdale: Mike Plant Best Storyline - Hollyoaks: Sibling Sexual Abuse Best Leading Performer - Eastenders: Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater Best British Soap - Eastenders He continued: "I did nearly six hundred episodes in five years, which is a hell of a lot, and it was time for a rest. Advertisement "The character was tired, I was tired, they [the producers] were probably tired of me being tired. "From an honest perspective, I think yeah, a lot of it was that I needed to go for a bit. "I needed to go work on me, get myself back to a place of really good mental health, focus on healing and also be a dad." 4 Viewers were blown away by Daniel's performance Credit: BBC Advertisement 4 Could he become a soap regular? Credit: BBC
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders star to make 'shock return as iconic character' two years after being being brutally axed
Ex EastEnders star Max Bowden is reportedly set to make a shock return as Ben Mitchell, two years after being axed from the soap. The actor, 30, who played the iconic character for four years, is said to have been given a second chance by new boss Ben Wadey, after his contract was not renewed in 2023 following reported warnings from producers about his behaviour. According to The Sun Max will return for a guest stint which could possibly lead to a full time role on the soap once more. A source told the publication: '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.' The actor is currently performing in West End musical Midnight Cowboy and the show's new boss reportedly visited him at the theatre to 'see where his head was at'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Ex EastEnders star Max Bowden, 30, is reportedly set to make a shock return as Ben Mitchell, two years after being axed from the soap (pictured on the soap) The actor is said to have been given a second chance by new boss Ben Wadey, after his contract was not renewed following reported warnings from producers about his behaviour 'Things hadn't ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start. Max agreed to return for a short stint after Ben pitched his comeback storyline. MailOnline have contacted BBC and Max's reps for comment. Following his 2023 exit The Sun on Sunday claimed that the decision not to renew Max's contract was made after bosses had to discipline him. A source said at the time: 'Max is ready to move on. He is proud of his time on the show and what he has achieved but he is focused on new projects and what he is doing next.' It was reported that the actor had decisions with bosses for a chat with executives about his drama offscreen in 2022. A TV source said: 'Max was called in for a chat by executives. He is an extremely talented actor and was always a real pro on set. However, there were concerns that his partying lifestyle away from the set could start to prove a distraction.' An EastEnders spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Max will be leaving EastEnders next year. We wish him all the best for the future.' A TV insider told The Sun: 'Max has played Ben for the last four years and bosses decided his time on the show was up. Max will return for a guest stint which could possibly lead to a full time role on the soap once more Following his 2023 exit it was claimed that the decision not to renew Max's contract was made after bosses had to discipline him Max, who is the sixth actor to play Ben, was involved in some of the soap's biggest storylines of late 'There has been a lot of noise around him for a bit too long and that can take away from the drama on the show. 'He went in for a meeting as his contract was up for renewal next year, No one knew how it was going to go and following discussions it was decided that he would leave.' Max, who is the sixth actor to play Ben, was involved in some of the soap's biggest storylines of late. Ben struggled to cope with the death of Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold) who was mother to his daughter Lexi. He then developed eating disorder bulimia as he attempted to work through his grief. It comes after Max's former co-star Lacey Turner discussed her 'never-ending guilt' before making the bombshell decision to quit the show. The actress, 37, joined the cast as Stacey Slater in 2004, and after departing in 2010, she reprised her role in 2014, but she is set to leave the show again later this year. She is stepping back to focus on her family life with her husband Matt Kay and their three kids - daughters Dusty, five, and Gipsy, four months, and son Trilby, four. Now, Lacey has opened up about the 'guilt' she previously felt leaving her beloved children to go to work on the long-running BBC show. It comes after Max's former co-star Lacey Turner discussed her 'never-ending guilt' before making the bombshell decision to quit the show 'The older they get, the more you realise how quickly the little years pass. It's bonkers, so I take it day by day, week by week,' she told OK! Magazine. 'You feel guilty leaving them, but also guilty for not earning, it's just never-ending. But we've got to stop judging and start supporting each other.' Lacey said she is looking forward to taking a break, admitting she has never had one before, as she hopes to focus on her family and other work commitments. She also hit back at the judgement that is often placed on parents and said she wants to put an end to the opinion that people have to be 'rich' to be good parents. 'You don't need to have the most expensive formula or toys or pram - I overheard a couple saving up to have a baby, that shouldn't be the case,' she said. 'Parenting isn't about money, it's about love, time, and doing your best.'
