EASTENDERS fans are certain an iconic character is making his way back to Albert Square.
Having debuted almost three decades ago, Ben Mitchell is a very familiar character to viewers.
BBCBen Mitchell was written out of EastEnders in scenes aired earlier this year[/caption]
BBCMax Bowden made his debut as Ben in 2019[/caption]
BBCFans have been speculating previous actor Harry Reid could reprise the role[/caption]
Speculating about a potential return, a fan wrote online: “Kathy said the other day that Ben has lost a lot of weight.
“So I think he’s undergoing his regeneration. Which of the previous Bens were skinniest?”
Another replied: “I think Harry Reid was the skinniest.
“If they are going this route I appreciate the little nod to continuity to address the change in body type.
“Max was definitely more burly. Both very attractive just different.”
While a third chimed in: “I immediately thought “oh, that’s Harry Reid coming back, then.”
Other users disagreed, as one penned: “Honestly, if/when Ben comes back, I honestly think what’s most likely is either Max returns or we get a Ben #7.
“I don’t think they will reverse-recast.”
Another added: “The show just needs to accept that he isn’t going to ***happen*** regardless of who is in the role and let him stay away for a good while.
“As I keep saying, bring back Courtney or even Louise if you want a significant legacy Mitchell child around.”
Altogether, six actors have starred as Ben over the years, taking him from infancy to adulthood.
Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…
EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.
Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.
Hollyoaks: Luke’s rape (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap’s first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.
Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – Just a mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.
One of Harry’s most notable storylines was Ben’s romance with Paul Coker (Jonny Labey), the character’s first love.
Last year, the BBC soap brought back Thomas Law as Peter Beale, having previously played the role from 2006 to 2010.
Since Thomas’ initial departure, two other actors played the role of Ian Beale’s eldest son.
Could Ben Mitchell be back in Walford soon?
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
BBCMax Bowden had been the sixth actor to play Ben[/caption]
