EastEnders star Max Bowden has finally spoken out after being axed from the show, with character Ben Mitchell set to depart in upcoming scenes.
Recent scenes saw Ben arrested for committing fraud in America, while trying to find treatment options for Lola Pearce.
Now, Max has confirmed that his time on the show has come to an end, with an emotional Instagram post.
Alongside a promo picture of Ben outside the Arches, Max thanked fans for embracing his version of Ben, having been the sixth actor to take on the role.
‘Well guys It’s that time!’ He penned.
‘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 EastEnders 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.’
He added that Ben Mitchell 6.0 was ‘over and out’, before bidding EastEnders farewell and assuring his castmates that he would miss them.
His post was flooded with support from his co-stars and fans, with Lauren Branning actress Jacqueline Jossa writing: ‘Congratulations on a fantastic 5 years!’
Rob Kazinsky, who played Sean Slater, said that Max did ‘a hell of a job’ with the role, adding a ‘Well done mate’, while Mel Owen star Tamzin Outhwaite left some applause and love heart emojis.Max first took on the role of Ben in 2019, and has some dramatic storylines during that time, including his marriage to Callum Highway (Tony Clay), his devastating rape ordeal and his recent struggle with bulimia.Last year, an EastEnders spokesperson confirmed Max’s exit to Metro.co.uk, saying: ‘Max will be leaving EastEnders next year. We wish him all the best for the future.’
