Max Bowden's new role has been revealed amid his EastEnders exit after five years of playing Ben Mitchell. It had been reported that Max was leaving his role as Ben this year, with his exit storyline seemingly beginning earlier this week when his character was arrested for fraud. Max, 29, had yet to confirm he was leaving the show but a spokesperson for the soap did issue a statement to announce Max's departure from the role. While on Tuesday night Max broke his silence on
Social Media where he admitted it had been "one hell of a ride" on the
BBC One soap, as he thanked fans for their support of his version of Ben, which has been played by several other actors since the character's inception. And now Max's next role has been revealed as the
Actor will be taking part in a theatre project for the 30th-anniversary production of Birdsong, which is based on Sebastian Faulks' novel and tells the story of one man's journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the World War I. The tour will start in September at
Salisbury Playhouse, finishing in late November at Theatre Royal Bath. Max Bowden's new role has been revealed amid his EastEnders exit after five years of playing Ben Mitchell ( Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) Max, who previously starred in the 2016 tour of Birdsong, will be playing Jack Firebrace in the production ( Image: © Michael Wharley 2019) Max, who previously starred in the 2016 tour of Birdsong and will be playing Jack Firebrace, said of the project: "I’m so excited to be collaborating with [producers] Original Theatre again on a project close to my heart. Birdsong highlights the tragedy of war, yet the beauty of humanity simultaneously through strong relationships under extreme circumstances, and I can’t wait to bring Jack Firebrace to life under their guidance." Meanwhile, director Alastair Whatley, added: "Max joined us to play the character of Tipper, a young soldier, in the 2016 tour of Birdsong and now, the best part of a decade later, returns to play the wonderful role of Jack Firebrace. I cannot wait to get back in the rehearsal room with Max to explore one of Sebastian’s most unforgettable characters." It comes as Max took to
Instagram on Tuesday night, writing: "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." He concluded his post by referencing the multiple times the character has been recast, by adding alongside a tick and heart emoji: "Ben Mitchell 6.0, over and out. Goodbye EE! I’ll miss you all. X." EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. *Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on Snapchat , Instagram ,
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