EastEnders actor Max Bowden has broken his silence after being axed by the BBC1 soap following a showdown with bosses.
Max played Ben Mitchell for four years, taking over the long-running character in 2019.
3
Max Bowden played Ben Mitchell for four years but is leaving next yearCredit: BBC
3
Max won big at the Inside Soap Awards this yearCredit: Getty
Although Max hasn’t spoken directly about his departure, he has reposted a birthday message from one of his biggest fans and die-hard EastEnders watchers.
One of his longtime supporters, who goes by the name Amz on Instagram, said: “Happy 29th birthday Max. Thank you for being YOU and thank you for everything.”
Max reposted her video montage, which showed them hugging off the set of EastEnders and at the National TV Awards.
Earlier in the day, the same fan took to X, formerly of Twitter, to express her dismay at the news that Max was leaving the long-running soap.
“I’m still trying to get my head around the fact that Max is leaving EastEnders!” she wrote. “He’s made Ben Mitchell his own and he’s going to leave a huge space. Whatever the reason Max left us, it’s just heartbreaking.”
The Sun exclusively revealed yesterday that Max has met with bosses who have decided not to extend his contract when it expires in March 2024.
His off-screen parties and love life are believed to have played a role in his rejection, as the big wigs reportedly felt he was overshadowing the show.
A TV insider said: “Max has played Ben for the last four years and bosses have decided his time on the show is up.
“There’s been a lot of hype around him for too long and that can reduce the drama in the show.
“He went to the meeting because his contract was due to be renewed next year.
“No one knew how it would go and after a discussion it was decided that they would leave.
“The bosses have yet to plan his exit story, but Ben is not a character to kill off as we’ve seen in all the previous remakes.”
An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed: “Max will be leaving EastEnders next year.
“We wish him all the best in the future.”
Since the news broke, EastEnders writer Daran Little has hit back at viewers after the show received backlash for axing fan favorite Max.
On his X account, Daran wrote: “I block those who accuse me of hating EE characters.
“We spend time coming up with stories and characters, creating balance, listening to viewers and trying to keep the 38-year-old soap fresh and relevant.
“It’s the best it’s been in years. I’m honored and proud to be a part of it.”
3
Mazx shared this birthday message from an EastEnders superfan
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education