Max Bowden Teases Ben Mitchell’s Dramatic Return to EastEnders

Max Bowden, known for his role as Ben Mitchell on the popular soap opera EastEnders, has announced his return to the show. During an appearance on the daytime programme This Morning on August 25, 2024, Bowden discussed his character’s comeback, which involves a dramatic storyline tied to his husband Callum’s affair. The actor was joined by former Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn, with whom he has collaborated on a touring stage production titled Murder At Midnight.

Bowden’s character, Ben, will return to Walford after being incarcerated in a US prison for an international fraud scheme. As the storyline unfolds, Ben is granted a temporary release to attend the funeral of Callum’s father. “He is coming back as a doting husband,” Bowden explained, adding that filming the return was a “lovely experience.”

The actor confirmed that Ben’s time in prison has been tumultuous, stating, “He has been a naughty boy,” which led to speculation about the nature of his release. Co-host Josie Gibson inquired whether it was a form of day release, to which Bowden clarified: “He gets sectioned out of the US and he’s on day release for Callum’s dad’s funeral.”

Bowden, who portrayed Ben Mitchell for five years, expressed a sense of readiness to leave the character behind. His last appearance aired in early 2024, culminating in his character’s arrest for fraud. Reflecting on his time on the show, Bowden noted, “I did nearly 600 episodes in five years… it was time for a rest. The character was tired, I was tired, they [the producers] were probably tired of me being tired.”

As Bowden returns to EastEnders, his on-screen husband Callum, played by Tony Clay, has been involved in an affair, creating further tension in the narrative.

In addition to his work on EastEnders, Bowden is set to star alongside McGlynn in the stage production Murder At Midnight. This thriller, which opens in September 2024, takes place on New Year’s Eve in a quiet corner of Kent, where a murderer lurks in the shadows.

Fans of EastEnders can look forward to Bowden’s return on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, as the drama continues to unfold in Walford.