Max Bowden, the actor behind one of EastEnders’ most controversial and complicated characters, Ben Mitchell, has sent shockwaves through soapland once again — but this time, it’s not just about his character’s comeback. Off-screen and on, Bowden is making headlines as he seemingly confirmed a new romance with co-star Tori Allen-Martin, raising eyebrows and fan speculation just as whispers of his return to the BBC One soap become official.

The images shared to Instagram told their own story: a sweet birthday kiss from Max to Tori, arms wrapped in affection, sparks flying. But it’s what this moment represents that has viewers and insiders alike buzzing — a fresh chapter for Max Bowden, both personally and professionally, as he prepares to return to EastEnders after being axed from the show in 2023.

Max’s portrayal of Ben Mitchell left an unforgettable imprint on the series. From intense emotional breakdowns and violent outbursts to tender scenes with daughter Lexi and strained family ties with Phil Mitchell, Max’s version of Ben was gritty, raw, and, at times, heartbreaking. But off-screen controversy and a reputation for partying led to his exit, with Ben arrested in his final scenes for an international crime and sent to an American prison — one of the soap’s most dramatic exits in recent years.

Now, less than a year later, Max Bowden is reportedly being welcomed back under new EastEnders boss Ben Wadey. And if that name sounds familiar, it should — Wadey is behind the show’s current renaissance, having already stunned viewers by bringing back fan-favorite Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) for a jaw-dropping cameo. With Wadey reportedly “wanting to meet Max to see where his head was at,” the stage is set for one of the most eagerly anticipated returns in recent memory.

While exact details of Ben Mitchell’s comeback remain tightly under wraps, insiders suggest it will begin as a short stint — with potential for a full-time return if things go well. But fans know one thing: Ben never reenters Walford quietly. There are old wounds waiting to be reopened, secrets that never healed, and a father-son relationship still hanging by a thread.

Complicating matters is Bowden’s growing connection to Tori Allen-Martin, best known for her roles in Here We Go and London Kills. The pair recently co-starred in the stage musical Midnight Cowboy, and sources claim they “hit it off straight away,” bonding over humor and shared experiences. With their romance now seemingly confirmed, could this relationship offer Max a fresh start — or will the spotlight cast a shadow over their happiness?

For Tori, a talented actress with a growing profile, dating Max Bowden will inevitably mean entering the EastEnders spotlight, where off-screen romance and on-screen drama are rarely kept separate. Fans are already speculating whether her talents might find their way into Albert Square as well — a casting decision that would certainly light the fandom on fire.

But let’s not forget, Ben Mitchell’s story is far from over. His prison sentence left countless threads untied: his relationship with Lexi, the fallout with Callum, his trauma over Lola’s death, and his desperate desire for redemption. A return could mean confronting those ghosts, rebuilding trust with Phil, or even sparking a dangerous feud with whoever’s been filling the power vacuum in Walford.

There’s also the lingering question: Can Ben Mitchell ever truly change? Or will his return bring with it another spiral into violence and vengeance?

Whatever the truth, one thing is undeniable: Max Bowden’s return will shake the very foundation of EastEnders. Whether it’s a fleeting visit or a full-scale comeback, the mix of real-life romance and fictional drama guarantees that Ben Mitchell’s reappearance will be one of the year’s biggest soap events.

As the whispers grow louder and Instagram clues fuel speculation, the people of Walford — and the viewers at home — are bracing for the storm that is sure to come.