12 September 2023 , 09:55
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Struggling EastEnders star Max Bowden says he misses his late best friend more than ever as he paid an emotional tribute to his 'brother' on social media.
On the anniversary of Maxwell Alexander Grey Thompson's death, the soap star says coping without him is even harder now – following the heartbreaking loss in September 2021. As well as the death of his friend Maxwell, Max has suffered more heartache after previously announcing his friend Luke Goodings, who died in June 2021, and his agent pal Terry Mills passed away six months earlier.
Maxwell, his best friend of 15 years, died suddenly and the 28-year-old posted a throwback photo of them both in London on a night out months before he died. The actor says things are getting harder, not easier, two years on as he took to social media to remember his pal.
He says the second year without him has been harder than the first (Getty Images)
His best friend Maxwell Alexander Grey Thompson passed away in September 2021 (Instagram)The Albert Square star, who plays Ben Mitchell on the BBC One show, captioned the post: "There are good ship, there are wood ships, there are ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, so here’s to you and me. Two years without you and I can honestly say I’ve found it harder this second 12 months then the first.
"The world goes on, but it’s never the same. My best friend, my brother, my world. Will always be my person." He ended his tribute with a big red heart emoji. His fans have been quick to comfort him in the comments section. At that time of Maxwell's death, the star posted an album of photos with his friend as he begun to come to terms with the devastating and unexpected news. He captioned the collection: "Maxwell Alexander Grey Thompson.
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"Thank you for being my best friend for 15 years, for walking every avenue with me, entering into battle with me every time, lighting up my every minute of every day, and for loving me like you did. I will never have a better friend, and I will never love a man so much in my life.
"You were my soulmate, my rock, my ride or die, my everything - and I am so grateful that I got to call you my best friend. I am so so lucky." He then went on to say that "the hole in my life you have left will never ever be filled" and "it was ta privilege" to have Maxwell in his life.
He was still recovering following 38-year-old Terry's death in Mexico months before. Max spoke of his "wonderful friend" in a passionate post and said he had supported him through dark times in his life. The actor penned: "You made my family feel like they were the only people in the world.
"I will never forget when you ran down the red carpet at the NTAs to make my Nan feel like a queen. The last messages we sent each other before you fell ill, were that we loved each other. And I always will Tel. Thank you for every thing you gave me. My life will never be the same. Sleep well, my wonderful friend."