Max Bowden and Tori Allen-Martin Part Ways

EastEnders star Max Bowden has reportedly ended his six-month romance with actress Tori Allen-Martin. The couple, who co-starred in the musical Midnight Cowboy, were said to have been inseparable during the show’s run. However, sources claim the relationship fizzled out as both pursued separate projects.

A source told The Sun: “They tried to make it work, but with Max now about to go on a theatre tour (Murder at Midnight), they decided to call time on their relationship. It was fun while it lasted.”

Tori, 31, is best known for her role as Cherry in the BBC sitcom Here We Go, starring alongside Alison Steadman and Katherine Parkinson. Meanwhile, Max, 30, prepares for a brief return to Albert Square as Ben Mitchell.

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Ben Mitchell’s Return to Albert Square

Max Bowden originally played Ben Mitchell for four years before his contract was not renewed in 2023. Reports suggested disciplinary discussions with producers followed concerns over his off-screen behavior. Despite this, new EastEnders boss Ben Wadey decided to bring Max back for a guest stint.

Ben Mitchell’s storyline sees him briefly released from prison to attend a funeral, marking a short but significant return to the soap. Sources indicate that this guest appearance could pave the way for a full-time comeback, depending on how the storyline develops.

A source explained: “Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back, and Ben Mitchell was one. It’s taken a little while to sort out, but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.”

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Behind the Scenes: Career Moves and Controversies

Following his 2023 exit, Max focused on new projects, including his upcoming theatre tour. Industry insiders highlighted that while he remains a talented actor, concerns about his lifestyle outside work were discussed with executives. A TV source said: “He is an extremely talented actor and was always a real pro on set. However, there were concerns that his partying lifestyle away from the set could start to prove a distraction.”

This return comes amid heightened scrutiny in the soap world, including the high-profile axing of co-star Jamie Borthwick. After 19 years on EastEnders, Borthwick was dismissed following a public incident involving a disabled slur. The BBC confirmed he would not return to the show and emphasized their zero-tolerance approach to offensive language.

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Moving On and New Beginnings

While Max navigates his brief return to EastEnders, he is also preparing for other career opportunities. His breakup with Tori Allen-Martin appears amicable, with both reportedly focusing on work commitments. Sources emphasized that the split is not dramatic: “It was fun while it lasted,” reiterating the temporary nature of the relationship.

Fans can look forward to Max’s return as Ben Mitchell later this year, which promises to bring drama and emotion to Albert Square. As the actor balances professional commitments and personal changes, viewers remain eager to see how Ben’s short release from prison unfolds and whether it could lead to a permanent comeback.

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What Fans Are Saying

Social media is already buzzing with speculation about Max’s return. Fans are excited to see Ben Mitchell back on-screen, especially given the character’s tumultuous history. Many are also curious about whether Max’s new storylines might mirror some real-life tension and growth, making this a particularly engaging time for EastEnders audiences.

Despite recent personal and professional changes, Max Bowden remains a fan favorite. His return, even brief, is expected to reignite familiar rivalries, relationships, and dramatic twists that have defined EastEnders for decades.