EastEnders star Max Bowden’s new show revealed after being axed as Walford’s Ben Mitchell
EASTENDERS star Max Bowden’s new show has been revealed after being axed as Walford’s Ben Mitchell.
In December last year, The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed how the 29-year-old actor had been axed after a showdown with bosses.
Max’s final scenes as Ben will air this week, after the character was arrested on an international warrant after his trip to America last year.
Ben faces six years in prison after he stole someone else’s card and spent thousands on hotel bills, car rental and a business class flight home after his own credit cards were blocked.
As Max’s time on EastEnders comes to a close after five years, his next acting project has already been revealed.
He will star in a brand-new stage production of Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks’s epic story of love and loss.
The new theatre show marks the 30th anniversary of the international best-selling novel’s release.
Max will play Jack Firebrace in the play, which tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War.
Max said: “I’m so excited to be collaborating with Original Theatre again on a project close to my heart.
“Birdsong highlights the tragedy of war, yet the beauty of humanity simultaneously through strong relationships under extreme circumstances, and I can’t wait to bring Jack Firebrace to life under their guidance.”
Alastair Whatley, Director of Birdsong and Artistic Director of Original Theatre, added: “Max joined us to play the character of Tipper, a young soldier, in the 2016 tour of Birdsong and now the best part of a decade later returns to play the wonderful role of Jack Firebrace.
“I cannot wait to get back in the rehearsal room with Max to explore one of Sebastian’s most unforgettable characters.”
The news comes as Max shared an emotional post on Instagram about his exit from EastEnders.
He wrote: “Well guys It’s that time! It’s been one hell of a ride! Thanks for taking Ben to your hearts and allowing my version into your lives.
“I had an amazing five years at @bbceastenders and learnt a hell of a lot about myself and the craft I love so dearly; it got me through some very hard personal times and I will be forever grateful!
“I really will never be able to thank everybody for the support enough, because the fans of the show are so passionate, caring, and invested and it enables us as actors to want to keep going and always be better; so I really do from the bottom of my heart appreciate every single person who has sent any sort of positivity my way over the last five years – I love you all.
“Ben Mitchell 6.0 over and out. Goodbye EE! I’ll miss you all.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer. To book tickets, click here.