Shocking News! Why is Ben Mitchell leaving EastEnders?

Why is Ben Mitchell leaving EastEnders?

In December 2023, The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed how Ben Mitchell star Max Bowden had been axed from EastEnders.

We revealed it came after the actor – who joined the soap in 2019 – had a showdown with bosses over his “party lifestyle”.

A TV insider said: “Max has played Ben for the last four years and bosses decided his time on the show was up.

“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.

“Bosses have yet to plan his exit storyline but Ben is not a character that they would kill off as we’ve already seen in all the previous recasts.”

How will Ben Mitchell leave EastEnders?

Max’s final scenes as Ben air on March 29, 2024.

Ben has landed himself in hot water, being arrested on an international warrant after his trip to America in 2023.

During his visit, he stole someone else’s card and spent thousands on hotel bills, car rental and a business class flight home.

What has Ben Mitchell’s actor Max Bowden said about leaving EastEnders?

Following the news that he would be leaving EastEnders, Max shared an emotional post on Instagram about his exit.

He wrote: “Well guys It’s that time! It’s been one hell of a ride! Thanks for taking Ben to your hearts and allowing my version into your lives.

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

Max Bowden On Leaving EastEnders

“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.”

However, Max is now moving onto a new job and his next acting project has been revealed.

He will play Jack Firebrace in a new stage production of Birdsong, which marks the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel’s release.

The theatre show tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War.

Max said: “I’m so excited to be collaborating with Original Theatre again on a project close to my heart.

“Birdsong highlights the tragedy of war, yet the beauty of humanity simultaneously through strong relationships under extreme circumstances, and I can’t wait to bring Jack Firebrace to life under their guidance.”