14 February 2024 , 12:19
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EastEnders may have let slip how Ben Mitchell will leave the BBC soap in the coming weeks.
In December it was confirmed that Max Bowden was leaving the role after more than four years, with him recently addressing the news for the first time. Nothing has been revealed regarding his exit storyline or when his final scenes will air.
But a recent episode of the show may have given away details behind his abrupt exit, with fans sure they have worked out a major twist. This week, the return of Johnny Carter saw him attack Dean Wicks, the rapist of his mother Linda Carter.
With Linda spiralling and suffering an alcoholism relapse, Johnny was sure Dean was to blame and wanted him gone. Ben and his husband Callum Highway were supportive of Johnny amid his turmoil, but something Ben said left fans convinced he would have a dark exit storyline.
Ben vowed to help get rid of Dean, promising to take action because no one else was going to. Viewers are sure Ben will either end up in prison for killing or hurting Dean, or that he might be forced on the run.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
Taking to X, one fan posted: "Thinking Ben getting rid of Dean might be his exit story." Another added: "Ben and Callum offering to help Johnny get rid of Dean means this could be the start of Ben's exit storyline," as a third agreed: "This will definitely lead to Ben's exit though."
EastEnders may have revealed how Ben Mitchell will leave the BBC soap in the coming months (BBC / Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)It comes as Max's co-star Bobby Brazier addressed the star's exit from the show and appeared to confirm he had wrapped filming. Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Bobby suggested Max was no longer with the soap, saying: "I’m gonna miss him – I didn’t get to say goodbye to him, but he’s a very funny man."
A statement in December confirmed Max was leaving the show. An EastEnders spokeswoman told The Mirror: “Max will be leaving EastEnders next year. We wish him all the best for the future."
The character is said to be bowing out of the BBC soap in Spring, after talks with bosses led to the decision for him to leave at the end of his current contract. There is currently nothing onscreen to suggest Ben will leave amid his marriage to Callum Highway, so fans will have to tune in to find out what leads to the sudden departure.
According to reports, bosses decided not to renew Max's contract, despite the actor winning over fans with his portrayal of Phil Mitchell's son. Ben has been at the centre of some huge storylines in the past four years, including his eating disorder battle after being raped by Lewis.
A TV insider said to The Sun: “Max has played Ben for the last four years and bosses decided his time on the show was up. There has been a lot of noise around him for a bit too long and that can take away from the drama on the show. He went in for a meeting as his contract was up for renewal next year.
“No one knew how it was going to go and following discussions it was decided that he would leave. Bosses have yet to plan his exit storyline but Ben is not a character that they would kill off as we’ve already seen in all the previous recasts.”
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , , and .