EastEnders’ Max Bowen reveals when he will be back on screen as Ben Mitchell – and fans don’t have long to wait
EASTENDERS’ star Max Bowen has revealed when he will be back on screen as Ben Mitchell after being axed in 2023.
Then-showrunner Chris Clenshaw gave Max the boot at the end of 2023 during a showdown over the star’s party lifestyle.
Now the BBC soap’s new boss Ben Wadey has given Max another chance.
The Sun first revealed plans for his shock return in May.
A source said at the time: “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.”
His character Ben is currently banged up in America after being imprisoned for a scam he pulled off in the US.
Now Ben is set to reunite with husband Callum – but Callum’s hiding a huge secret.
Viewers know that Callum has developed feelings for Johnny Carter and they’ve begun to have a full blown affair safe in the knowledge that Ben is nowhere near them.
However, with Callum’s dad Jonno d.e.a.d, Ben uses it as an excuse to get day release for the funeral and turns up next week.
Max shared a photo from the funeral scene, revealing Ben in handcuffs.
He captioned it: “Look whose back.
“Was great to see the old faces and return for a brief stint with @bbceastenders
“Tune in Monday to see it all unfold.”
Excited fans raved about his return and one said: “Ahhhh can’t wait!!! So pleased to see you back, even if it’s for a little while.”
Another said: “I can’t wait to have my #Ballum on my screen again. I miss having them on my screen on a regular bases but I will take anything at this point.”
However, others pulled the plot apart, and one said: “Day realise from prison in America for a person “Ben” never knew much or liked. So unreal.”
One more said: “But no one was close with the dad and Ben allowed day release for a man he didn’t know or care for im confused.”
Max hasn’t stopped working since his break from Walford.
The actor, who first joined EastEnders in 2019, most recently appeared in the musical Midnight Cowboy.
The dad-of-one is reportedly dating actress Tori Allen-Martin, 38, his Midnight Cowboy co-star at London’s Southwark Playhouse.
