EastEnders fans furious as Mitchell family is ‘slowly destroyed’ with string of shock exits

EASTENDERS fans have been left furious that the Mitchell family is being 'slowly destroyed' with shock exits.

The Mitchell's have been a prominent part of the BBC soap since they first arrived in Walford in 1990.

But in recent weeks its been confirmed that Max Bowden will be leaving his role as Ben Mitchell.

The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed EastEnders bosses had decided not to renew his contract following a showdown.

The blow to fans was followed by the revelation at the end of last week that Kim Metcalf had also left her role as Sam Mitchell, just weeks after returning.

It has left many concerned the family is being 'slowly destroyed' by show bosses.

Writing on a fan forum, one viewer said: "With the exit of Sam and shortly another Mitchell exit, the loss of Lola, is Clenshaw clearing out this generation of Mitchell’s?

"EE have already wasted Ronnie, Roxy and Danielle. They’re one of the squares biggest families but the strong current Mitchell’s have mostly gone. I’d be disappointed to see this family disappear."

Another added: "The Mitchells have been a dead family for many years now. Even when you had a whole slate of them, like most of the '10s, EE struggled to write for them.

"If the show has to have a heavy Mitchell presence, I would write out Billy and Honey and their kids (I'm sorry but I genuinely don't believe anything is left for Billy as a character), recast Louise (as I doubt Tilly Keeper will return at present), and bring in some other Mitchell cousins. Maybe bring back Courtney and Mark Jr."

A third commented: "If Grant ever comes back full time, with Courtney, that would be all that's needed really.

"Mitchell's were originally just Grant and Phil and quickly became a huge part of the show. They had Sam too, and it's a shame Kim has left. I wonder if they can get her back again before long."

Others hoped the family could be revived following recent scenes at Aunt Sal's funeral, where Billy Mitchell's father, Stevie.

One wrote: "Stevie Mitchell is Billy's Father and I am hoping he will appear again which could bring in a new branch of Mitchell's."

A fellow fan agreed, writing: "Billy's Father could well be on his way to Albert Square and he could facilitate any new potential Mitchells this year."

Another added: "They need to keep Billy, Honey, Janet and Will. They’re a nice little family unit and I adore how Honey takes no c*** from Phil. Will is old enough now to have his own storylines, so he can be made more prominent.

"I do wish they hadn’t killed R&R [Ronnie and Roxy], as they were strong, well-liked characters and with Sam now gone, it would be nice to see them bring in some more Mitchell women.

"Here’s hoping in the future we see the returns of Courtney and Louise, plus maybe some new faces from Billy’s side of the family."

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.