EASTENDERS fans have spotted a clue that proves that an iconic character is returning to the show under the soap’s new boss.
Ben Wadey became the new executive producer of EastEnders in February 2025, taking over the role from Chris Clenshaw.
He had previously worked on the show as a story liner and story editor between 2019 and 2020 and was the Commissioning Executive for Channel 4 for several years.
Eager fans have been following Ben’s every move and now they have spotted he’s following a huge Enders icon on Instagram.
And what’s even more exciting – is that the person is following him back.
Max Bowden is the sixth actor to play the role of Ben Mitchell on the long-running BBC serial drama.
Max, 30, originally starred in EastEnders from 2019 until 2024 following a showdown with producers.
Bosses told the star that they were not renewing his contract as his party lifestyle and chequered love life whipped fans into a frenzy.
But now fans wonder if there is a way back for him – under the new boss.
On a post on social media one viewer wrote: “He was interviewed in this week’s Inside Soap. Full of praise for the live episode and Steve McFadden’s recent acting.”
“It seems that he is trying to get people interested in his new project instead of trying to make a return back to the soap.
“So I can’t see him coming back anytime soon honestly nor can I see us getting a fifth new head for him” replied another.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”New twist in EastEnders star Max Bowden’s axing as it’s revealed he was warned over his behaviour by show bosses ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6344432938112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]But another fan added: “Since Wadey and Bowden already follow each other on Instagram I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve been in touch about a potential return in the future.
“But I don’t think it’ll happen anytime soon. We just have to hope Bowden stays booked and busy.”
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D112037%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]So will it happen? Will Ben return? You’ll need to watch this space for exclusive updates.
Max left the soap last year, when Ben Mitchell was arrested on fraud charges by American police under an international warrant.
The charge was in connection to his trip to America, where he attempted to get dying Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) onto a drugs trial but was unsuccessful.
Ben’s credit cards were blocked, but instead of going to the police, he stole someone else’s and spent thousands on hotels, car rental and a business class flight home, consequently facing six years in prison.
Husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay) begged Ben to plead not guilty to all his charges, but was left heartbroken when Ben went against his advice.
Callum was left heartbroken when Ben was deported and told him he would wait for his release from jail.
After his final scenes on EastEnders aired, Max took to Instagram to bid his goodbyes.
He wrote: “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 @bbceastendersand 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.
“Ben Mitchell 6.0 . Over and out. Goodbye EE! I’ll miss you all. X”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.