EastEnders star hints at shock return as he reunites with long-term co-star
EASTENDERS alum Max Bowden was spotted hanging out with fellow soap star Jamie Borthwick yesterday.
This reunion marks the first time Max, 29, and Jamie, 30, have been seen together publicly since Max left the soap earlier this year.
Max joined EastEnders in 2019, taking over the role of Ben Mitchell from Harry Reid. He quickly made the role his own, often sharing scenes with Jamie, who has played Jay Brown since 2006.
Over the years, Max has been involved in a number of shocking storylines, including being shot in a hostage situation. He was also integral in Danielle Harold’s heartbreaking brain tumour storyline.
He’s also been a part of some sweeter storylines, namely portraying Ben’s relationship and eventual marriage to Callum Highway (Tony Clay).
Playing Ben scored Max the Soap Superstar of the Year Award at the Inside Soap Awards last year. However, his time on the soap came to an abrupt end earlier this year when his character was arrested for international fraud.
Ben is now in prison for crimes he committed in America last year. His final scenes aired at the beginning of April.
Off-screen, Max’s exit came about after the BBC decided not to renew his contract. He was axed from the soap after a showdown with BBC bosses.
But despite the drama surrounding his exit, Max has remained on good terms with his long-time co-star Jamie.
The pair shared details of their recent reunion on social media, which revealed they were hanging out together at a pub while watching the Euros final.
For the occasion, Jamie donned an England shirt while Max was dressed casually in a white t-shirt.
The friends were all smiles as they posed together for a selfie, which Max then posted on his Instagram story.
“Come on England,” Max wrote alongside the photo.
Could this reunion mean a return to Walford is on the cards for Max?
The former soap star may be keen to return to the Square as he previously hinted that he regretted leaving EastEnders.
Following his exit, Max took to Instagram to share a powerful quote about making mistakes and trying again.
The quote said: “No one knows what they are doing. Not even the ones with degrees, big job titles or people on your vision board.
“Everyone is just trying loudly, failing loudly, and trying again. And so should you.”
EastEnders facts and figures
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
Here’s the latest on:
- EastEnders spoilers
- New, leaving and returning cast members
- Where is EastEnders filmed and can you visit the set?
- Inside EastEnders abandoned original set
- The history of EastEnders iconic pub The Queen Victoria
- The biggest ever ‘duff duff’ moments
- Longest serving cast members
- Shocking Albert Square serial killers
- The soap’s most iconic episodes
Max’s new gig
Whether Max makes a return to Walford remains to be seen, but at the moment he’s busy making other career moves.
Max has shared details of his new acting gig on social media as he ditches the small screen in favour of the stage.
He is set to play Jack Firebrace in an adaption of Sebastian Faulks’ war novel Birdsong.
Celebrating the exciting career move last week, Max said: “Just under TWO MONTHS till @birdsongplay opens! A play very dear to my heart and a team of equal measure.
“Looking forward to seeing you all there. This story of hope, love, friendship and sacrifice is so beautifully written by Rachel Wagstaff after Sebastian Faulks’ masterclass novel – I feel very lucky to be back [and] part of such a project.”