EastEnders boss Kate Oates has revealed the real reason behind the decision to recast the role of Ben Mitchell just a year after Harry Reid’s controversial exit on the show.
Fans were outraged when it was announced that popular actor Harry Reid would be replaced by Waterloo Road star Max Bowden as Phil Mitchell’s son, the sixth actor to take on the role.
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Speaking to Digital Spy at the NTAs Kate said: “Harry Reid is an awesome actor and I think he did really well with Ben.
“I just wanted to take the character in a different direction and that’s why I’ve gone for somebody different.”
She added: “I know that recasts sometimes ruffle some feathers and I know that sometimes people think they won’t gel with that character the same way they used to.”
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However, Kate said she hoped fans would give Max a fair chance on the soap.
She said: “I just hope people give Max and chance because he’s a great actor and I’m really excited by what we’ve been storylining.
“It’s a whole new era and that’s what we want to emphasise.”
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Harry, 26, was on the soap between 2014 and 2018 before leaving in a storyline, which saw Ben fleeing the country from gangster Aiden Maguire.
Just a year on the character will now return bringing his daughter Lexi and her mum Lola Pearce with him.
View this post on InstagramGuess the cats out the bag! Very excited to be taking on the role of Ben Mitchell!
Max, 24, who has also had roles on Doctors and Casualty said: “I’m so excited to be joining the cast of EastEnders and taking on the role of Ben Mitchell.
“I’ve always been a fan of the show so to be joining one of the most iconic families in soap is beyond exciting. I can’t wait to get started and see what’s in store for Ben.”
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