Pub-goers stunned as axed EastEnders star gets up on karaoke and shows off incredible singing voice
PUNTERS in a small local pub were left stunned when their weekly karaoke night took a star-studded turn.
Amongst the usual talent, one famous face stole the show with a powerful rendition of Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.
Dressed casually in a white long sleeved t-shirt and jeans, the singer looked completely at ease as he belted out an Elton John classic with a fellow pub-goer.
His impressive vocals left onlookers doing double takes, with many struggling to place where they might recognise him from.
But the karaoke star was none other than former EastEnders favourite Max Bowden.
The actor, who played troubled Ben Mitchell in the BBC soap, looked worlds away from his hard-man alter ego as he confidently showed off his impressive singing voice.
Max, 30, appeared totally relaxed as he performed the emotional ballad, proving he could easily hold his own on a show like The Masked Singer.
The impromptu duet took place at the Town Wall Tavern in Coventry, a cosy traditional boozer tucked just behind the city’s Belgrade Theatre.
Sharing the video to the pub’s official TikTok account, the caption read: “Karaoke at Coventrys little Theatre Pub we often see famous faces! #karaoke #coventrycitycentre #fridaynight #eastenders #pub.”
As a teenager, Max performed in theatre and even played the title role in Billy Elliot the Musical.
However, fans are more used to seeing him portray Walford hardman Ben, known for his fiery temper, criminal past and turbulent love life.
He first took on the role in 2019, becoming the sixth actor to portray Phil Mitchell’s son.
During his time on the soap, Ben was involved in some of the show’s biggest storylines including hate crime attacks and his marriage to Callum Highway.
However, the actor said goodbye to the BBC soap in 2024 after bosses decided to take the character in a different direction.
The character was sent to prison in the US following his involvement in criminal activity.
However, writers haven’t ruled out a comeback for the troubled Ben.
Max left the BBC soap in 2024 after nearly 600 episodes as Ben Mitchell.
Reflecting on the exit, he later said it felt like the “right time for a rest” after such an intense run on the show.
His final full-time episode aired in 2024, although he briefly reprised the role in 2025 for a funeral storyline in Walford.
Speaking previously about stepping away from Albert Square, Max said: “After five years and nearly 600 episodes it felt like the right time for a rest.”
However, the actor has also made clear he hasn’t ruled out a comeback, admitting he would be open to returning to EastEnders in the future if the opportunity came up.
Away from Albert Square, Max appears to be enjoying life after the soap and if his karaoke performance is anything to go by, he might have a surprising second career waiting in music.
