It was confirmed in late 2023 that Max would be leaving the show, with his final scenes airing in March 2024.

His exit storyline saw Ben jailed shortly after he was arrested for committing fraud during a trip to the US.

The mechanic shared a final heart-to-heart with husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay) while behind bars before being extradited back to America, where he has been serving his sentence.

A year on since his last scenes and it seems Ben will shortly be back on our screens, with new EastEnders boss Ben Wadey reportedly keen to bring the character back.

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

The publication claims that the stint will be a short one with the possibility of a longer term one if it goes to plan.

‘Max agreed to return for a short stint after Ben pitched his comeback storyline,’ the source continued. ‘But who knows what will happen? It really does depend on Max.’

EastEnders had no comment to make when approached by Metro.

Word of Ben’s comeback comes just a week after it was claimed that Max Branning star Jake Wood will reprise his iconic role after four years.

Clair Norris, who plays Bernie Taylor, will depart after eight years while Felix Baker star Matthew Morrison is also soon set to exit.