🚨 Max Bowden Confirms EastEnders Departure: “As Long as She Stays, I Won’t Be Back” — EastEnders fans were sent into a whirlwind of speculation this week as Max Bowden, the actor behind the popular Ben Mitchell, finally addressed rumors about his exit from the long-running soap. In a candid statement, Bowden made it clear that his return to Albert Square is contingent upon one condition: the continued presence of a certain character — presumably someone who has created tension, either on-screen or behind the scenes. “As long as she stays, I won’t be back,” Bowden revealed, putting to rest months of speculation about a potential comeback. The revelation has sent fans into a frenzy, with social media erupting in theories about who the “she” in question could be, and what that means for the future of Ben Mitchell’s storylines. Bowden emphasized that his decision is not a reflection of the show as a whole, praising the cast, crew, and his time on EastEnders, but making it clear that certain dynamics make it impossible for him to return under current circumstances. Viewers are now left wondering about the fate of Ben Mitchell — will the character be recast, written out temporarily, or perhaps even face a shocking off-screen storyline to explain his absence? Industry insiders suggest that this departure opens the door for bold new arcs and could trigger significant shake-ups in the Mitchell family drama, especially given Ben’s central role in ongoing plotlines. Fans have taken to Twitter and fan forums with mixed reactions: some expressing disappointment and sadness, writing, “Ben is one of my favorite characters! I hope he comes back someday,” while others speculate eagerly about the reasons behind the decision and the identity of the mysterious “she.” Bowden’s candidness also highlights the challenges actors face in long-running soaps — balancing personal convictions, professional relationships, and the pressures of evolving storylines. As EastEnders continues to unfold, the absence of Max Bowden’s Ben Mitchell will undoubtedly be felt, and viewers are left anxiously awaiting the next move from the showrunners to address one of Albert Square’s most compelling and complex characters. ⚡