Actor Max Bowden is best known for playing bad boy Ben Mitchell in BBC soap EastEnders.
The 27-year-old star joined the soap in 2019, making him the sixth actor to take on the coveted role.
His tumultuous relationship with Callum Highway has kept us all on tenterhooks over the years as he tackles his LGBTQ+ storylines and beyond.
Along the way, Max has earned himself three award nominations and won bed bad boy at the Inside Soap Awards throughout his career.
From his budding acting career, loved-up relationship with his long-term partner and a year of unbelievable tragedy, here’s everything you need to know about soap star favourite. Max Bowden…
Tragedy
(Image: Instagram)
The actor suffered a major tragedy in 2021 when three of his close friends tragically passed away within the same year.
The 27-year-old lost his agent friend Terry Mills in February, friend Luke Goodings just four months later in June and his friend Maxwell the following September.
Speaking of Maxwell’s death. Max posted on social media: “Thank you for being my best friend for 15 years.
(Image: Instagram)
“For walking every avenue with me, entering into battle with me every time, lighting up my every minute of every day, and for loving me like you did.”
He then went on to say that “the hole in my life you have left will never ever be filled” and “it was a privilege” to have Maxwell in his life.
Hours later, Max revealed he’d found the sweet gift his late best pal Maxwell Thompson had given him to ask him to be his best man at his wedding next year.
(Image: Instagram)
It read: “We’ve always come as a three, how can you not be standing up there with us?! Will you be one of my best men?”
Max also revealed that he’s received ‘amazing’ support from the EastEnders costume department who sent a handwritten note.
It read: “Hey Max just wanted to say we know you’re not great at the moment, but we are always here if you need a rant or a cry.
“Keep doing your best because we think you’re great.”
Bullying Past
(Image: Getty Images)
Max started his career aged only 15 when he was cast as Billy Elliot in a 2010 version of the play.
His appearance in the play led to the nickname Billy from his school piers who taunted him for playing a ballet dancer.
“I think generally people that work in entertainment have been bullied at one point in their life as we are all a bit different in our own quirky ways,” he told The Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Campaign.
(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
“There were times in school where people would call me names like Billy Elliot in a negative light.
“I spoke to my family about it who were great, and helped me, it all got resolved from there.
“I separated myself from the people who were bringing me down. By getting involved in after school activities I was able to meet people who had similar interests to me and who liked me for me!”
Romance
Max has been publicly dating girlfriend Roisin Buckle since October 2021 and frequently shares loved-up snaps of the two to his Instagram page.
In a recent photo of the two, he captioned “The course of true love never did run smooth” – William Shakespeare. Absolutely cringe but what a beautiful three days with this one.”
The two are smiling at the camera from their holiday to Welcombe Spa.
(Image: bowden5/Instagram)
The actor also uploaded a photo with Roisin as they escaped the city of London for some well-needed time together at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire.
Max placed an arm around his partner as they posed for a quick snap together, writing: “Country getaway. Happy birthday @spark.marc.”
In the comments section, fans complimented the couple.
One person gushed: “Such Beauties.”
“Enjoy ur weekend getaway Enjoy the perfect moment together aww xx,” a second commented.
Naked Snap
The rising star made the most of lockdown over his 26th birthday after sharing a nude pic as he enjoyed a bubble bath.
Mac stripped naked to jump in the bath as he looked glumly towards a balloon that read Happy Birthday tied to his leg at the end of the tub.
“How to spend your birthday in isolation part one,” he captioned the hilarious Instagram Story.
The second part of his at home birthday party included him practicing his golf putting.
“So, how to do destroy my living room featuring me,” the actor said as he shot a video of his practice putting mat.
He added as he took a disappointing shot: “Birthday wishes part two.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
