Phil Mitchell is set to receive some devastating news about son Ben in upcoming EastEnders scenes.
Ben has left the soap after actor Max Bowden confirmed his exit, with emotional scenes set to air next week during the aftermath. His exit storyline has seen his past life in America come back to haunt him as the troubled character was arrested for credit card fraud.
He was told he was facing a potential prison sentence abroad for the crimes, devastating his loved ones in the process, including his husband Callum Highway, who promised to wait for him should he go to prison.
Despite initially planning to flee with Lexi, Ben refused bail and was eventually extradited to the US to face the consequences of his actions.
In upcoming scenes, Phil is set to learn that Ben has been sentenced to six years in prison as he bumps into George Knight in the Boxing Den.
George, reeling from his mother Gloria’s heart attack amid his father Eddie’s murder trial, has a heart-to-heart with Phil who encourages him to go back to the hospital, all while struggling with his own terrible news.
Bowden, who has already announced his next project following his soap exit, paid tribute to his character and the fans who supported him as Ben’s final scenes aired.
Posting to Instagram, 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. 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.”
