Max Bowden bid farewell to EastEnders tonight in sad scenes as Ben Mitchell waved goodbye to Walford.
Ben had been shockingly arrested earlier this week for previous fraud when he tried to search for treatment for Lola in the United States. The storyline came about to coincide with an exit for Max Bowden, who is departing his role after several years.
Tonight, fans saw Callum bid an emotional and heartbreaking goodbye to his husband Ben, as they both realised there was nothing they could do to make any of this go away. However, some viewers are convinced they've spotted a clue that maybe Max could one day be back on the Square as Ben or another actor could replace him and become the seventh reincarnation of the popular character.
One fan wrote on Reddit: "We know Max is heading off, but no big send off is disappointing, even if it's in cuffs via prison van. These goodbye scenes were touching but it feels kind of unfinished. Perhaps we get a bye-bye-Ben6 now and in 5-6 years time we get a 'Oh look, here's Ben7 in prison orange, getting ready to be released' scene."
Whilst another suggested: "That goodbye was heartbreaking, I can see Ben divorcing Callum off screen. it’s his way of setting Callum free and encouraging him to move on," and a third took to social media to share: "He’ll find out that Ben wasn’t 100 percent truthful and that he planned to go on the run with Lexi without him then he’ll divorce him."
Max confirmed he was quitting the role with a post on Instagram earlier this week. In the post, 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. X."
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