EastEnders writer hits back at fans as he addresses Max Bowden's axing
EastEnders writer Daran Little has defended the soap's decision to axe Max Bowden's character Ben Mitchell.
Following backlash from fans, the BAFTA-winning writer took to Twitter, now known as X, to say: "I'm blocking those who accuse me of hating EE characters. We spend our time coming up with stories and characters, creating balance, listening to viewers and trying to keep a 38-year-old soap fresh and relevant.
"It's the best it's been for years. Honoured & proud to be part of it!" he added. However, some fans were still upset about the decision, with one saying: "Blocking people for calling you out is a bit immature is it not? This is arguably the best actor you've had to play Ben. His character has become one that so many resonate with, through Max, but because of his 'personal life' you decide to axe him, then can't handle the backlash."
Max Bowden's character Ben Mitchell has been axed from EastEnders (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Fans were split over the decision to write Max out of the show, with some calling it "ridiculous" and "the worst thing possible". Yet, one person stood up for soap writers, saying: "In fairness to any soap writer..... I have lived on our current street for 23 years.
"No plans to move. Some families have come and gone. Some have also stayed. Some drove off in taxis, some left in a box. Actors come and go. That's what happens in real life too."
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Another viewer said Ben's scenes were "repetitive" and "jarring", adding: "I think it's great that the character is getting a break and someone else will get a chance for a big storyline!"
Daran Little, who writes for the show, shared on Twitter that even though fans are sharing their wishes for 2024, the team has already planned the storylines.
"Just amusing myself reading people's wants for 2024 in EastEnders when we've already written months of it and plotted the rest. No spoilers from me," he posted.
He also mentioned he wrote the last episode of 2023, hinting that "quite a few residents will be happy to see the back of this year".
A fan praised the Christmas episode as "the best Christmas episode of any soap. In history." The Sun quoted an insider who commented on Max's exit, saying the "noise around him" was overshadowing "the drama on the show".
"Bosses decided his time on the show was up," a source confirmed. They also added, "[They have yet to plan his exit storyline but Ben is not a character that they would kill off, as we've already seen in all the previous recasts."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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