SOAP fans have been left furious after Max Bowden was axed from EastEnders following a showdown with bosses.
Viewers have taken to social media to share how upset they are about the decision, with some even saying they are planning to boycott the show after the actor leaves.
Max has played Ben Mitchell on EastEnders for four years, after taking over the long-running character in 2019.
The Sun previously revealed that Max had a meeting with show bosses where they decided not to renew his contract when it expires in March 2024.
It is believed his off-screen partying and love life played a part in his axing, as big wigs reportedly felt it was overshadowing the show.
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A TV insider said: "Max has played Ben for the last four years and bosses decided his time on the show was up.
"There has been a lot of noise around him for a bit too long and that can take away from the drama on the show.
"He went in for a meeting as his contract was up for renewal next year.
"No one knew how it was going to go and following discussions it was decided that he would leave.
"Bosses have yet to plan his exit storyline but Ben is not a character that they would kill off as we’ve already seen in all the previous recasts."
A spokeswoman for the soap confirmed: "Max will be leaving EastEnders next year.
"We wish him all the best for the future."
Fans have not taken the news sitting down, and many flocked to social media to share their opinions.
One person hit out: "Worst mistake EastEnders have ever made axing you!!! Best actor in the show!"
Another agreed: "Absolutely gutted, i won't be watching EE anymore if we keep losing the good characters. We love you."
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A third pleaded: "Read that you're leaving EastEnders. Absolutely hope that’s not true. The best Ben by far and Ben and Callum is everyone’s fav !!"
Someone else took to X, saying: "EastEnders already feels wrong. I’ll be happy to quit watching once Max Bowden leaves. If Emmerdale could only bring Robert back, it would replace EE for me."
Another threatened the show's executive producer directly, writing: "Chris Clenshaw you can’t get rid of Max Bowden. I swear this to you now I will never watch another episode again you hack."