EastEnders Star Max Bowden Explains His Departure

Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell in the popular BBC soap *EastEnders*, has opened up about his decision to leave the show. In a recent interview on *The Lewis Nicholls Show*, Bowden revealed that he was experiencing burnout after five years on the show and felt it was time for a well-deserved break.

"The important thing was my time was ready," Bowden explained. "I was very tired, and like I said, I wasn't me. The Max sat in front of you today was kind of a ghost, and they recognised that – I recognised that."

Bowden admitted to feeling the strain of a demanding schedule, having filmed nearly six hundred episodes during his time on the show. "It was time for a rest. The character was tired, I was tired, they [the producers] were probably tired of me being tired." He added that he needed to prioritize his mental health and focus on healing, as well as his role as a father.

Despite his departure from Walford, Bowden confirmed that he remains in contact with the *EastEnders

producers and has even discussed a potential return in the future.

Bowden also shared insights into the challenging final year of his time on the soap, revealing that it was a period of immense personal vulnerability. "It was life imitating art to an extent," he explained, referencing the storyline in which his character's best friend, Lola Pearce, was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

Playing out such a sensitive storyline alongside Danielle Harold, who plays Lola, was emotionally demanding for Bowden. He acknowledged that this experience tested his resilience: "It laid a lot out on the table, and it exposed me to a lot of vulnerability which probably at the time I didn't navigate well."

Looking back, Bowden recognized the strength he gained from navigating this difficult period: "It was a tough old time, but you know what, I'm a hell of a lot stronger for it. That was definitely the hardest period of my professional life."

While Max Bowden's time on *EastEnders

may be over for now, his dedication and vulnerability during his five-year stint have resonated with viewers. His departure serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being, even within the demanding world of television.