Bowden\u2019s departure from the BBC One soap<\/a> was announced last year, with his character\u2019s exit storyline currently taking place on screen.<\/p>\n Following his exit, Bowden will be joining the 30th anniversary tour of Birdsong<\/a> as Jack Firebrace.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so excited to be collaborating with Original Theatre again on a project close to my heart,\u201d Bowden said.<\/p>\n \u201cBirdsong highlights the tragedy of war, yet the beauty of humanity simultaneously through strong relationships under extreme circumstances, and I can\u2019t wait to bring Jack Firebrace to life under their guidance.\u201d<\/p> Bowden previously starred in the 2016 tour of Birdsong, originally playing the role of Tipper.<\/p>\n Director Alastair Whatley said of Bowden re-joining the cast: \u201cMax joined us to play the character of Tipper, a young soldier, in the 2016 tour of Birdsong and now, the best part of a decade later, returns to play the wonderful role of Jack Firebrace.<\/p>\n \u201cI cannot wait to get back in the rehearsal room with Max to explore one of Sebastian\u2019s most unforgettable characters.\u201d<\/p>\n In scenes that aired this week, Ben has been arrested for fraud after an international warrant was put out for his arrest. Scenes are yet to play out to see what happens to Ben, but Bowden has since issued a heartfelt message<\/a> to his fans.<\/p>\n Following Tuesday night\u2019s episode, Bowden wrote: \u201cWell guys. It\u2019s that time! It\u2019s been one hell of a ride! Thanks for taking Ben to your hearts and allowing my version into your lives.<\/p>\n \u201cI had an amazing five years at @bbceastenders and learnt a hell of a lot about myself and the craft I love so dearly; it got me through some very hard personal times and I will be forever grateful!\u201d<\/p>\n Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n He continued: \u201cI really will never be able to thank everybody for the support enough, because the fans of the show are so passionate, caring, and invested and it enables us as actors to want to keep going and always be better; so I really do from the bottom of my heart appreciate every single person who has sent any sort of positivity my way over the last five years \u2013 I love you all.<\/p>\n \u201cBen Mitchell 6.0 over and out. Goodbye EE! I\u2019ll miss you all. X\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Max](\"https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2023\/08\/441626-8953f4a.jpg?quality=90&crop=23px%2C28px%2C4239px%2C2824px&resize=620%2C413\" "\\"441626,EastEnders\\"\/")
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