Ben Mitchell’s exit plot ‘revealed’ in EastEnders as he makes shock promise
The troublemaker vows to help another resident get rid of an enemy.
SOAP star Max Bowden is leaving Walford for good and his final storyline begins next week.
EastEnders’ Ben Mitchell makes an explosive vow that could lead him straight to prison. How will it all play out?
Five actors have already come and gone from the BBC One program after giving life to the troublemaker.
In 2019, Max Bowden reprised the role from Harry Reid as the Arches mechanic became involved in more drama, from his explosive wedding to Callum Highway (Tony Clay) to his hard-hitting rape storyline in 2022.
But after five years in Walford, the soap star is taking a leave and his last scenes are due to be aired in upcoming weeks.
Max’s final storyline as Ben Mitchell begins with Johnny Carter’s long-awaited return to Albert Square as actor Charlie Suff makes his debut next week.
Regular viewers of the long-running program will remember that the son of Mick and Linda Carter was last seen in the fictional London borough of Walford in January, 2018, before he left for Manchester for the benefit of his legal career.
But during his time away, his mother Linda (played by Kellie Bright) was left to struggle as she is the only member of her large family in the fictional London borough following the departures of all her children, her mother-in-law Shirley and the disappearance of her beloved husband Mick Carter.
To make matters worse, Linda has recently had to face the comeback of her rapist, Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo).
And after facing adversity, her son Johnny finally takes matters into his own hands.
Upon his arrival next week, Johnny helps a drunk Linda up and is horrified by the state of her.
Back at The Vic, he quizzes the family to find out why she’s got so bad, and Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) reveals Dean is back.
Johnny rushes to confront Dean and is spotted by Ben Mitchell, who follows him into Beale’s Eels.
Ben has to drag Johnny away from Dean, and, with Callum Highway they talk over a drink.
Later, at closing time, Johnny punches Dean and warns him to leave Linda alone.
In other scenes, Johnny is determined to stop Linda from drinking by not letting her out of his sight, but it soon becomes too much for her.
After secretly boozing, Linda makes a show of herself by dropping Gina Knight’s (Francesca Henry) birthday cake in front of everyone in The Vic.
Johnny, who has found out Gina dated Dean, lashes out at her for laughing.
Ben and Callum are concerned by Johnny’s angry behaviour, and the former promises to help Johnny get rid of Dean.
While underhanded tactics may be expected, Ben assures his husband Callum it’ll all be legal and above board – will he keep his word?
Ben is no stranger to causing trouble and is even capable of murder, as he proved when he bludgeoned fan favourite Heather Trott to death with a photo frame.
Could his murderous streak make a return for Dean Wicks?
Recent reports revealed that Max Bowden’s contract had not been renewed after soap bosses had disciplined him for his alleged behaviour on set.
A source said: “Max was called in for a chat by executives. He is an extremely talented actor and was always a real pro on set. However, there were concerns that his partying lifestyle away from the set could start to prove a distraction.”
Meanwhile, another source told the Sun that the actor was simply “ready to move on.”
“Max is ready to move on. He is proud of his time on the show and what he has achieved but he is focused on new projects and what he is doing next.”
In December, 2023, Max escaped unhurt from a three-car collision in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey.
The 29-year-old was then pictured looking shocked as he emerged from his wrecked Mercedes CLA.
His motor, which did not have an up-to-date MOT, was left with its front bumper hanging off.
No injuries or arrests were reported after the crash.
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
