‘EastEnders’ have recast Ben Mitchell for a sixth time.
Max Bowden has joined the cast of the BBC One soap ahead of "complicated and troubled" Ben’s reappearance in Walford alongside Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) and their daughter Lexi Mitchell.
A tweet on the official ‘EastEnders’ Twitter account read: "Ben Mitchell is coming home! And he won’t be alone. Lola will be with him, and so will their daughter, Lexi. But why are they heading back to Walford?
"Max Bowden will be taking on the complicated and troubled role of Ben Mitchell."
The former ‘Waterloo Road’ star said: "I’m so excited to be joining the cast of ‘EastEnders’ and taking on the role of Ben Mitchell.
"I’ve always been a fan of the show so to be joining one of the most iconic families in soap is beyond exciting. I can’t wait to get started and see what’s in store for Ben."
‘EastEnders’ boss Kate Oates revealed the soap’s script writers will be exploring aspects of Ben’s character which "have been allowed to develop" while he was away from Walford and his father, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
She said: "A character like Ben, with his rich history, ‘complicated’ family and complex psychology, is pure gold.
"With Max in the role, we will be exploring the aspects of Ben’s character that have been allowed to develop during his time away from the Square: unfettered by old loyalties, and out of the long shadow of his father, Phil."
Harry Reid most recently portrayed Ben from 2014 to 2018, and he previously admitted there were plenty of tears following his exit last January.
He exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "There were a lot of tears. The last scene with Gillian was really hard.
"I threw myself into that part and emotionally really connected with her and Steve. It makes me a bit teary now talking about it."
Joshua Pascoe took on the role before Harry from 2010 to 2012 after replacing Charlie Jones, who portrayed Ben from 2006 to 2010.
Matthew Silver first starred as the character when he was just a baby from 1996 to 1998, and Morgan Whittle had the part from 1999 to 2001.
EastEnders recast Ben Mitchell for sixth time
