EX-EastEnders star Max Bowden is making a shock return two years after he was axed.
The actor, who played Ben Mitchell, will get a guest stint in the coming months, with a possible full-time role if all goes well.
Then-showrunner Chris Clenshaw gave Max the boot at the end of 2023 during a showdown over his party lifestyle.
But he has been given another chance by the BBC soap’s new boss Ben Wadey.
A source said: “Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one. It’s taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.”
Last month, the new boss went to see Max, 30, in the musical Midnight Cowboy. The source added: “Ben wanted to meet Max and see where his head was at.
“Things hadn’t ended particularly well and Ben wanted to assure him this could be his fresh start.
“Max agreed to return for a short stint after Ben pitched his comeback storyline.
“But who knows what will happen? It really does depend on Max.”
The actor, who joined EastEnders in 2019, said last year: “I did nearly 600 episodes in five years, which is a hell of a lot, and it was time for a rest.”
He is reportedly dating actress Tori Allen-Martin, 38, his Midnight Cowboy co-star at London’s Southwark Playhouse.
EastEnders declined to comment.
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