EastEnders viewers warn they’ll ‘turn off’ as soap icon is ‘done dirty’ by exit storyline
EastEnders’ Ben Mitchell, played by Max Bowden, is due to say his goodbyes with his exit storyline starting next week but fans are not happy with how he’ll be reportedly leaving
EastEnders fans have been left fuming as Ben Mitchell’s exit storyline has appeared to be confirmed.
The character, played by Max Bowden, has been a staple on the soap for years – with Max making his debut in 2019. During his stint, he has had some big storylines – including the character’s horrific rape ordeal in 2022.
Max was the sixth actor to play Ben – and became a hit with viewers since his first appearance. So much so, that he’s even scooped a few gongs for his portrayal.
However in December last year it was reported that Max will be bowing out of the programme. A source close to Max told Daily Star how the actor will leave the show indefinitely.
It was then claimed that Max’s private life hitting the headlines was a concern for execs of the show. An insider told The Sun: “There has been a lot of noise around him for a bit too long and that can take away from the drama on the show.”
And over in the soap next week, Ben’s exit storyline will kick off – but it seems some are not too impressed. Spoilers for the soap tease that Ben will leave via prison due to a past crime.
It is thought this happened while he was in America. Fans will recall that last year, Ben had visited the US amid pal Lola’s battle with a brain tumour.
Ben ends up getting arrested but protests his innocence as he is held at the Walford police station. Now, fans reckon Ben will be leaving after getting sent to jail – and they’re not too happy about it
Over on X, formerly known as Twitter, plenty of viewers shared their frustration over the plot. One person said: “They’re doing Ben so dirty. After investing five years in developing his character, you’d expect them to care more about his exit!”
Someone else added: “I won’t forgive ee for doing this. I won’t be watching either after Ben’s exit.” A third quipped: “Axing Ben, and his abysmal exit storyline adding yet more trauma to his character.”
Another chimed in and proclaimed: “I know Ben’s exit was seemingly unplanned but they could have surely come up with something better than this.” A fifth wrote: “Glad I stopped watching EE months ago and won’t be watching it again Ballum were the best thing in years and to ruin them like this is a disgrace going to miss Ben Max has been the best its EE loss.”
