EastEnders Ben Mitchell star Max Bowden to return to soap two years after shock axe

It looks like yet another familiar face is returning to two years after being axed. Fans were overjoyed when it was - and now there's one more to add to the list.

, who played Ben Mitchell will reportedly be back for a brief stint in the show later this year, with the possibility of coming back full time.

The star was axed the soap in December 2023 after playing Ben Mitchell for five years. His final scenes played out in April the following year. The character left the show after being arrested for an international crime, and is now in prison in America. Ben is still mentioned from time to time, as his dad Phil, who recently went through a mental health crisis, often picks up the phone to speak to him.

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Reports at the time suggested that as Max's contract came to an end, bosses decided not to extend it and to write out both the character and Max. However, it's been reported that new boss Ben Wadey wants to give the star another chance.

A source told the Sun of the reported return: “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.”

“Ben wanted to meet Max and see where his head was at," the source continued - revealing that the new boss went to see the actor in the musical Midnight Cowboy.

“Things hadn’t ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start," the source continued. They then revealed that Max had "agreed to come back for a short stint" after Ben pitched a comeback storyline for the character.

"But who knows what will happen? It really does depend on Max," the source concluded.

EastEnders declined to comment when approached by the .

Shortly after his onscreen exit last year, Max took to to write: "It’s been one hell of a ride! Thanks for taking Ben to your hearts and allowing my version into your lives. 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. X."

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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