Ben Mitchell returns to EastEnders

After being banged up for killing Heather Trott in August 2012, bad boy Ben Mitchell is on his way back to Albert Square. There’s sure to be fireworks as Ben has unfinished business with many of the Walford residents, including estranged father Phil, ex-girlfriend Lola, daughter Lexi – and Heather’s best friend Shirley... Earlier this year Phil was shocked to discover that Ben had been released from prison early but was unsuccessful in his attempts to track him down.  It came as less of a surprise to Ben’s best-friend Jay however, whom viewers discovered was in contact with him all along.

Newcomer Harry Reid will be taking on the role of Ben and commented: “I'm very excited to be joining EastEnders – not only because it's a great show but also to be playing Ben, a character that is so renowned and from such an iconic family. I'm looking forward to getting started and working closely with the legendary Steve McFadden. I can't wait to become a fully-fledged Mitchell.”

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Executive Producer said: “Ben’s half-Beale and half-Mitchell and Harry perfectly encapsulates both the Mitchell danger and Beale heart that make Ben such a complex character. Ben’s return to the Square is going to have big repercussions for his family, his friends – and his enemies. Plus a few residents he hasn’t even met yet…”

EastEnders Continues Tonight at 8.00pm on BBC ONE