EastEnders’ Max Bowden celebrates birthday after year from hell – but fans can’t believe his age

EASTENDERS Max Bowden celebrated his birthday after a tough year - but fans can't believe his age.

The actor - who plays Ben Mitchell on the BBC One soap - shared snaps as he marked his 27th birthday.

The soap star posed with multicoloured inflatable balloons and shared the photo on Instagram Stories.

Pouting at the camera, the caption read: "27 and STILL pouting!!!"

Fans were quick to share their amazement at Max's age, with one writing: "I can't believe Max is 27 - he looks so much younger."

Another posted: "Wow 27 already, he doesn't look a day over 24."

It comes after the TV star shared a loved-up snap alongside his stunning girlfriend Roisin Buckle as they celebrated Christmas together.

He penned: "Christmas over for another year. Looking forward to the new year especially after this one. Had a blinder with Rodderz."

Max has shared his highs and lows over the past 12 months with his fans.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Max was being supported by the BBC soap's crew after three friends tragically passed away.

The telly favourite has endured a difficult few months, and is understandably struggling following the bereavements.

He shared a photo of a handwritten note he'd received, captioning it: "I work with some amazing people".

The sweet message 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."

It was signed from Annie, Inca, Becky, and Meg from EastEnders' costume department.

The star revealed that Maxwell Thompson had passed away in September, with the pair long-time best friends and Max regarding him as "family".

Max previously shared his pain after friend Luke Goodings died in June and his agent pal Terry Mills passed away back in February.

Paying tribute to Maxwell, Max wrote: "Thank you for being my best friend for 15 years, 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.

"I will never have a better friend, and I will never love a man so much in my life.

"You were my soulmate, my rock, my ride or die, my everything - and I am so grateful that I got to call you my best friend. I am so so lucky."

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.