BBC EastEnders Ben Mitchell tipped for soap return following axe
BBC EastEnders Ben Mitchell tipped for soap return following axe
EastEnders Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell, is set to make an iconic return to Albert Square later this year after two years away from the BBC soap with bosses keen to give his character a second chance.
Max Bowden could be reprising his role as Ben Mitchell
(Image: BBC / Jack Barnes )
EastEnders fans are in for a treat, as it seems another familiar face will make an iconic return to the soap later this year. Max Bowden, famed for his role as Ben Mitchell, is set to make a comeback two years on from his exit.
It comes as viewers were thrilled when it was announced that Jack Wood would be reprising his role of Max Branning. Now, there's one more to add to the list for fans of the BBC soap to look forward to.
Max Bowden, 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 as reported by the Mirror.
The star was axed from the BBC soap back in December 2023 after fronting the role of Ben Mitchell for five years. His final scenes commenced in April the following year. The character left the show after being arrested for an international crime, and is now held in an American prison.
Ben, and his dad Phil, are still often mentioned in the soap. Reports at the time suggested that as Max's contract came to an end, bosses decided not to extend it. However, it's been reported that new boss Ben Wadey wants to give the star another chance.
Max's character Ben is currently in a US prison on EastEnders and only briefly mentioned
(Image: BBC )
Article continues below
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.
Shortly after his onscreen exit last year, Max took to Instagram 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.
Article continues below
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
15 minutes ago
- Wales Online
BBC Escape to the Country host rushes to support buyer as they break down in tears
BBC Escape to the Country host rushes to support buyer as they break down in tears Briony May Williams was on a mission to help a couple buy their first home together during the latest instalment of BBC's Escape to the Country Escape to the Country: Guest refuses to buy any of the houses Escape to the Country's Briony May Williams was quick to comfort a buyer as emotions were at an all time high just minutes into the viewing. During Tuesday's (June 3) episode of the BBC hit show, the host was on a mission to help a couple buy their first home together. Barry and partner Pauline want to make a big move from Romford, Essex and find their dream home in Herefordshire, so they can finally get their collection of potted plants in the ground. Time is of the essence for the pair as Pauline admitted that she is currently living out of a suitcase after moving into Barry's house. The couple, who met at a dance 13 years ago had a hefty budget of £500,00 for a detached property that has visual appeal and they're not keen on barn conversions. Barry and Pauline want to make a big move from Romford, Essex and find their dream home in Herefordshire (Image: BBC ) Article continues below BBC Call The Midwife star Helen George lands new TV role on rival channel READ MORE: They wanted three bedrooms to accommodate family and friends who come down to visit. It was important that it has at least a quarter of an acre for their plants and a location within a village. Speaking about why they wanted to make the big move, Barry explained: 'We think that it's going to be a new start for both of us. Although we've lived together, it's not the same as having our own house.' Pauline added: 'We've got over 400 pots in our garden. I just can't resist buying plants and I can't wait to put these plants in the ground.' Briony set up several property viewings and made sure they had everything Vanessa was looking for; however it was clear that the mystery property blew them away. The couple had a hefty budget of £500,00 for a detached property (Image: BBC ) The property in question was a 19th-century barn conversion which came with an open-plan kitchen-diner as well as an inglenook fireplace in the sitting room. It also has three bedrooms as well as a large garden space. Walking into the kitchen, Pauline couldn't contain her emotions as she put her hands over her face and began to tear up. Briony wastes no time offering her support as she asked: 'Are you feeling a bit emotional?' Realising how overwhelmed she was, the BBC star embraced her with a hug and asked: 'Are you ok?' Pauline admitted: 'Oh, this is lovely. I love this.' Barry jumped in: 'It is bang-on, isn't it?' Pauline continued: 'I can't believe all this light, overlooking the garden. Everywhere you look from the window, it's what we've been dreaming of.' Briony May Williams was quick to comfort a buyer as emotions were at an all time high just minutes into the viewing (Image: BBC ) Worried about missing out on the property, Pauline was certain that it might be over their budget however Briony left them speechless when she revealed that it was on the market for a guide price of £475,000. In disbelief, Pauline shouted: 'No! I don't believe that.' However the couple had to act fast as Briony warned: 'As you can imagine, there's a lot of interest in this house and offers have started coming in already.' Article continues below She added: 'So just be aware of that. If you wanted this house, you'd have to move quite quickly.' In the end, the couple revealed that they have put an offer in for the house however they're still waiting to hear back from the estate agent. Escape to the Country airs weekdays on BBC One and iPlayer
Daily Mirror
23 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Charles 'won't make first move with Harry because of whispers from close circle'
Prince Harry's feud with his father King Charles has gone from bad to worse following Harry's extraordinary outburst in a BBC interview - and now palace insiders have revealed one of the reasons why the monarch is unlikely to make first move in repairing their rift Palace insiders have revealed one of the key factors that could be stopping King Charles from making the first move in reconciling with estranged son Prince Harry. The feud between father and son is believed to have gone from bad to worse in recent weeks after Harry gave an explosive interview to the BBC after losing another court battle over his security arrangements in the UK. In that interview, he confirmed that things had got so bad between him and his father, that the King, who is still having cancer treatment, will not speak to him and he does not know "how much longer my father has" left. It comes after Harry railed against his family in his memoir Spare, where he criticised his father, branded his stepmother Queen Camilla dangerous and claimed older brother Prince William physically attacked him. Some have suggested that if father and son are to get their relationship back on track, it should be the King to reach out and make the first move. However, a palace insider has told PEOPLE magazine one of the reasons why this has not been the case so far - and they claimed it is because those around the King have not "encouraged reconciliation". According to the publication, William has shown "no interest" in repairing the rift, Camilla "stays out of it" while even the King's most personal aide, private secretary Sir Clive Alderton is "unlikely to push for a personal outreach". Respected royal correspondent and author Valentine Low told PEOPLE of Charles: "There is not a good angel in his ear to say, 'Be a good dad and make the first move'." Talking about Harry's bombshell BBC interview, he added: "It wasn't meant to be an attack, but it would be seen as one. It makes Charles reach out even harder." In his bombshell interview after losing his security case at the Court of Appeal, Harry admitted: "Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive me for lots of things." And speaking previously to the Mirror, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine Ingrid Seward, said any apology from Harry for his actions in the past will be a long time coming, despite his plea for reconciliation. She said: "By now Charles is used to Harry's disloyalty and contradictions. But what he will not be prepared to put up with is his youngest son's stubborn conviction that he is always right. Harry's ego is so fragile he thinks the world is against him. He refuses to take responsibility for his actions. If he wants reconciliation, why does he still attack his family? "If he did say sorry to his father and those he has hurt, he would be admitting he was wrong. Harry has such a weak sense of self he appears incapable of doing this. Harry's stubbornness will almost certainly prevent him from bringing his wife and children to the UK. At least in the immediate future. "He said he realised he had upset the 'family' but never once offered to apologise. The King knows this. But he also understands that under Harry's accusatory exterior, he is extremely vulnerable." As King, Charles needs total trust. He is head of state and monarch and that has to come first as Charles vowed at his Coronation. He will be very sad it has come to this. But if he can't trust Harry, he has to avoid him until such time things change. If they ever do." Get Royal Family updates straight to your WhatsApp!
South Wales Guardian
24 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Krispy Kreme to give away free glazed doughnuts on June 6
The company wants to reclaim their title "as the OG of the glazed doughnut". Therefore, they are encouraging customers to bring 'Faux-G doughnuts' into a Krispy Kreme store, which they can "upgrade" to an original glazed doughnut for free. A "Faux-G doughnut" is defined as being a glazed doughnut from another shop that could be seen as an "inferior imitation". A post shared by Krispy Kreme UK (@krispykremeuk) Customers will need to bring their "Faux-G doughnut" into a Krispy Kreme store or show proof of purchase (such as with a receipt) to claim their free original glazed doughnut on Friday, June 6. The offer will only be available for one day, with it being limited to one redemption per person. Guy Meakin, Krispy Kreme UK President, said: "They say imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, and we have seen many copies of our iconic doughnuts over the years. But we all know a dupe is rarely as good as the real thing. Nothing compares to the melt-in-your-mouth experience of a fresh Original Glazed. "This National Doughnut Day, we're inviting everyone to taste the difference and remind them that when it comes to doughnuts, there's only one OG. A post shared by Krispy Kreme UK (@krispykremeuk) "We want doughnut fans to enjoy the best of the best, so turn your backs on the dupes and stick with the original. We're excited to see the reactions as people upgrade their 'Faux-Gs' for the real deal." As part of the campaign, rapper Lady Leshurr has released her brand new single, Run This Glaze, which is a diss track playfully calling out 'imitators' of the Krispy Kreme glazed doughnuts. Krispy Kreme is an American company that was set up back in July 1937 by Vernon Rudolph. It started in North Carolina, seeing steady growth over the decades, with it opening its first store in the UK in October 2003. This original store was situated in the Harrods department store in London before it shut in 2011, with there now being 120 locations in the UK. As part of an April Fool's Day campaign back in 2017, Krispy Kreme claimed they were going to change their name to 'Krispy Cream'. As reported by The Mirror, this was to avoid the issue of Brits not knowing whether to pronounce 'Kreme' as 'cream' or the more French-sounding 'crème'. Recommended reading: Wetherspoon bringing back 'best burger ever' for a limited time in coming days Swizzels to launch 2 new Squashies flavours in time for summer Cadbury shrinks size of Freddo chocolates while prices remain the same In the two years prior to this announcement, there had been over 30,000 independent tagged posts on social media spelling Krispy Kreme incorrectly. At the time, the company said after "much consideration", Krispy Kreme has taken the decision to rebrand in the UK and distance the UK franchise from its US counterpart. The Shannon Corner store in London did actually roll out a store rebrand to try and sell this, before it was eventually revealed as a joke.
