EastEnders star issues statement as gay character Ben Mitchell exits soap
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EastEnders actor Max Bowden has recently shared a statement with fans as they eagerly await the departure of his character, Ben Mitchell, from the long-running British soap opera. The news of Bowden’s exit was confirmed by a BBC spokesperson at the end of last year, and viewers have been watching as recent episodes have built up to Ben’s inevitable onscreen downfall.
In the latest episodes, viewers saw Ben being arrested at a birthday party for his husband, Callum, as he faces extradition to America to face charges of credit card fraud. This storyline stemmed from Ben’s desperate attempt to secure drugs in the United States to help Lola Pearce, who is battling a brain tumor and is the mother of Ben’s daughter.
Despite pleading with his father Phil and his lawyer Ritchie for help, it seems that Ben, who has previously spent time behind bars, will be facing a lengthy prison sentence. Scenes set to air tonight could potentially be Ben’s final moments on the show.
In an emotional Instagram post, Bowden expressed his gratitude for his time on EastEnders, thanking fans for welcoming his portrayal of Ben into their lives. He acknowledged the impact the show had on him personally and professionally, helping him through difficult times and allowing him to grow as an actor.
Bowden referred to his time on the show as “one hell of a ride” and expressed his appreciation for the passionate and caring fans who have supported him throughout his five-year stint on EastEnders. He emphasized that their positivity and encouragement have motivated him to always strive for improvement in his craft.
The actor also shared a message on Instagram marking the end of his time as Ben Mitchell, calling it “Ben Mitchell 6.0.” He is the sixth actor to take on the role of Albert Square’s troubled character since joining the cast in 2019. Fellow EastEnders cast members, including Rob Kazinsky and Ricky Champ, praised Bowden for his portrayal of Ben and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Ben Mitchell has become an iconic character within the LGBTQ+ community, with several memorable storylines that have resonated with viewers. From coming out to his father Phil to dealing with the homophobic murder of his boyfriend Paul Coker, Ben’s journey on the show has been filled with emotional highs and lows. His character has tackled important issues such as male rape and LGBTQ+ representation on screen.
As fans prepare to say goodbye to Ben Mitchell, they can catch EastEnders on BBC One Monday-Thursday at 7:30 pm or on BBC iPlayer. The departure of Ben Mitchell marks the end of an era for both the character and Max Bowden, leaving a lasting impact on viewers who have followed his journey on the popular soap opera.
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