When is Ben Mitchell leaving EastEnders, and has actor Max Bowden left the BBC soap?
EastEnders airs worrying scenes for the Mitchell family this week, as Ben Mitchell, played by actor Max Bowden, is arrested for a crime while he claims to be innocent
EastEnders’ Ben Mitchell will leave the BBC soap very soon, with actor Max Bowden leaving the role after five years.
It was reported last year that Max was leaving the show, with conflicting reports as to what led to the decision. The soap did confirm the exit, but did not comment on when or how he would leave, while reports suggested Max would leave the show in spring 2024.
It was recently suggested by a cast member that Max had already finished filming in February, and now it seems we know when and how he may leave. Spoilers have alluded to his exit storyline, and it’s pretty sad for the Mitchells.
It’s been confirmed Ben is arrested and faces prison due to a historic crime he has committed. Ben pleads innocence, but it’s not confirmed exactly what has happened and what he has done.
It’s thought to be linked to his short stay in America a year ago, but bosses are not giving anything away. It’s not looking good for the character and soon he has a request for his dad Phil Mitchell.
EastEnders’ Ben Mitchell will leave the BBC soap very soon (
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
The spoilers reveal Callum Highway goes to desperate lengths to try and help his husband, but as the Mitchells reel from his arrest little more is said about it. Viewers will have to stay tuned to find out more about the crime and what it means for Ben.
It would seem given the news about his exit that this is how bosses are writing the character out. Viewers have been divided on whether it seems to be a rushed storyline, or one that has been planned since a year ago.
They have not revealed whether Ben’s exit will air this week in the scenes, or if this is just the start of a longer storyline. There is no mention of Ben in the spoilers on the soap’s website for the week after.
Of course this could mean that anything regarding Ben is embargoed until transmission, but it could also mean he has left by then too. So does this mean we can expect Ben’s exit to air either Wednesday or Thursday this week?
Given he possibly finished filming in February and scenes are filmed around six weeks before they air, sadly it could mean this is the case. That said there is no confirmation at all from the soap to suggest he is leaving that soon so we will just have to wait and see.
