Long standing fans of BBC soap EastEnders have been through the trenches when it comes to the character of Ben Mitchell.
We’ve had to try and root for him through a series of questionable (and even murderous) decisions.
We’ve had to deal with the actor that portrays him being swapped multiple times - six to be exact…
Advert
At times it’s been jarring, with the replacement actor appearing many years older than the last.
But we persevered anyway, as the son of EastEnders icon Phil Mitchell has been a staple in many major storylines.
I mean, who could forget the death of Heather Trott? Or the iconic Girls Aloud dance?
Advert
I digress…
The hearts of EastEnders fans have been collectively broken after learning that Ben, now played by Max Bowden, is set to leave our screens.
BBC confirmed that he will be leaving the role after five years on our telly.
It is thought that tonight’s episode (28th March) is the last we will see of his character, though it has already been available to stream on iPlayer.
Advert
Ben is being written out of the show after his storyline led to him being arrested for an international crime. There was a warrant out for his arrest and police were hot on his trail.
Ben had previously been in America, and apparently committed fraud whilst trying to nail down treatment for friend Lola Pearce’s brain tumour treatment. She later died.
Bowden took to his personal Instagram to share a post commemorating his time on the soap. He wrote: “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.”
Advert
He continued: “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.”
It is unclear whether or not another actor will take on the role of Ben Mitchell in the future.
Fans flooded his comments, with many unhappy with his EastEnders trajectory.
One person wrote: “There won’t be a better Ben Mitchell. Eastenders have truly f***ked this up. You deserve better than what they’ve gave you.”
Advert
The same was being said on X, with one disgruntled viewer venting: "I don't like how 'Rushed' Ben's exit has been. Across 3 episodes Ben has been arrested for Fraud and sent down just like that.
"Given how substantial his character was especially in 2022 he deserved a better exit."
Another said: "It’s quite sad Max Bowden leaving #EastEnders. Was an abrupt and sad ending."
Bowden has since shared his next acting venture, which is a play called Birdsong and fans can’t wait to support his next move.
Tyla has reached out to BBC and representatives of Max Bowden for comment.
Featured Image Credit: BBCTopics: Eastenders, BBC