BBC EastEnders writer hits back as he addresses Max Bowden's shock exit

EastEnders viewers were treated to some super tense moments in Thursday night's episode as Sam Mitchell left Albert Square after causing carnage at the Queen Vic After learning that she had been left a staggering £100,000 in her Aunt Sal's will - along with Phil and Grant's share - she confronted brother Phil to demand her share of the money. Unimpressed when he refused to hand it over, she decided to resort to blackmail after discovering that Phil had cheated on his wife Kat - something she learned from Alfie Moon.

EastEnders' Natalie Cassidy has revealed she is feeling 'very ill' and has had to take time off from filming on the BBC One soap, throwing filming into chaos. She shared on Instagram: "Poorly.The only time I will ever get to watch the South Bank Show Originals.

EastEnders' Denise Fox might be leaving the show soon, as fans have spotted a clue that could signal her exit. Denise recently left some important evidence at the place where Keanu Taylor's body was buried, which could lead the police straight to her. The Six, including Denise, Kathy Beale, Sharon Watts, Suki Panesar, Stacey Slater and Linda Carter, were seen hiding Keanu's body under the floor of the burnt-out café.

EastEnders fans have been left cringing over Penny Branning's (Kitty Castledine) nickname for her dad Jack (Scott Maslen). Following her dramatic return to Albert Square, Penny has been referring to her dad as "Big Man Jack", something that fans have complained has left them feeling rather grossed out.Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one viewer complained: "'Big man Jack' is not cute. It’s a really weird name to give your own dad.

Max Bowden has been hit with a warning as he prepares to leave his role on BBC's EastEnders later this year.

EastEnders legend Max Bowden has been given a stern warning amid claims he was 'axed' from the show, despite fan upset about his shock exit. Last week it was revealed that the actor, who has played character Ben Mitchell in the soap for five years, will be waving goodbye to Albert Square as the BBC confirmed his departure.

Linda Carter is set for more drama in EastEnders following the return of Lauren Branning, who will soon uncover the truth about baby Annie's paternity. Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) made her highly anticipated return to EastEnders on New Year's Day, but didn't quite make it to Albert Square after being arrested in the airport. However, she will soon be released after cousin Penny Branning's (Kitty Castledine) confession.

Since first arriving on our screens last Summer, it’s safe to say that George Knight hasn’t had the easiest time in EastEnders after finding out his wife, Rose Knight, was actually Cindy Beale all along. Yet while he appeared to have been able to take the revelation in his stride, one truth that may break the famed boxer completely is the news that his adoptive parents had been paid to take him in.

EastEnders' Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) is set to make a big decision in tonight's episode following her shocking pregnancy news.The character confides in Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) after a fallout with her partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar), ahead of her departure from the popular BBC soap. Last year, Whitney and Zack were heartbroken when they discovered their unborn baby girl had Edwards' syndrome. Despite starting the process of termination, Whitney gave birth to their daughter Peach 18 weeks into the pregnancy.

Maisie Smith and Max George proved they are still going strong after sparking split rumours. The 22 year old EastEnders actress and 35 year old The Wanted star took to Instagram to make a joint announcement, confirming they had moved into their ‘dream home’ together Taking to Instagram, the couple, who got together last summer after meeting on the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, shared a video inside their lavish new home.

EastEnders' Penny Branning made a dramatic comeback to the BBC soap this week, but who is she and what's her story? Penny is Jack Branning's daughter and has been off-screen since 2008. She uses a wheelchair as she is paralysed from the waist down, a fact revealed during her first stint on the show. Not everyone knew about Penny, even though she adored her dad.

EastEnders star Max Bowden, who plays Ben Mitchell, has had quite the love life off-screen with links to a co-star and Love Island contestant. Max, 28, has played the role of Ben on EastEnders since 2019 but will soon be waving goodbye to Albert Square as BBC confirmed his departure. His final scenes are thought to air in the coming weeks with his departure this year reportedly leaving the show's bosses unsure whether to keep the character of Ben Mitchell in the soap at all.

Rita Simons has sparked concern among her fans, after sharing that she has not been eating or sleep properly over the last few weeks. The former EastEnders star, 46, took to Instagram on New Year's Day, where she shared a video clip of a vitamin IV drip being administered into her arm.

Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) made a dramatic return to Albert Square, alongside her son Louie Beale, with fans quick to notice that the youngster has been recast. Last year Louie appeared as part of Cindy Beale's (Michelle Collins) return, as it emerged that she was living in France with husband Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and son Peter (Thomas Law), who is Louie's father. In this storyline, the eight year old was played by Freddie Harrington, but now Jake McNally is in the role.

EastEnders star Michelle Collins has been left stranded in Spain after jetting off to celebrate the New Year.The actress, 61, who recently returned to the role of Cindy Beale, was left asking for help after she lost her passport while abroad.Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Michelle reached out to EasyJet as she tried to work out a way back to the UK. She wrote: "Please @easyJet can you help me I have lost my passport at Malaga airport the police (I have been there ) say it is up to the airline to let me fly home, my flight is at 8:30 pm tonight I am heading to the airport having just left the police station .Thank you Michele x" Returning to social media, Michelle then followed this with: "Nobody is very helpful @easyJet this is awful" She later shared that she had not be allowed to fly, writing: "Thank you most of you for your helpful comments.

EastEnders star Brian Conley has finally spoken out after his character, Rocky Cotton, was arrested and said an emotional farewell in Friday's episode. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the 62 year old actor had decided to leave the popular BBC One soap, two years after joining in 2021.

EastEnders star Max Bowden has spoken out after news of his emotional exit from the BBC soap following four years playing fan favourite Ben Mitchell.

EastEnders star Max Bowden, who plays Ben Mitchell, will be leaving the soap after four years. The actor, 28, who has played the role of Ben on the hit BBC soap since 2019, is leaving EastEnders next year. His final scenes are thought to air in the coming weeks, a show insider revealed to the Daily Star.

EastEnders fans were left puzzled after a major plot hole was spotted following Keanu's shocking Christmas death. On Christmas Day, viewers watched as Linda Carter killed Keanu Taylor for trying to strangle Sharon Watts after she wouldn't let him see Albie. It came after Sharon called off the wedding having learnt that Keanu was a part of the kidnapping plot for Albie, reports The Mirror.

EastEnders has shocked fans over the Christmas period with plenty of gobsmacking storylines on screen, and the BBC soap looks set to continue its drama into 2024.