When did Ben Mitchell return to EastEnders, why did he leave Albert Square and which actor will replace Harry Reid?
He made a dramatic return – along with Lola Pearce and their daughter Lexi
BEN Mitchell fled EastEnders over a year ago with a holdall of ill-gotten gains from the New Year's Day heist.
Here's everything you need to know about the character's sensational comeback.
Who is Ben Mitchell in EastEnders?
Ben Mitchell is the son of Phil Mitchell and his ex-wife Kathy Beale.
He is the half-brother of Ian Beale and Louise Mitchell.
He’s also cousin to Ian’s kids Bobby and Peter Beale. And was Lucy’s cousin before she was murdered by Bobby.
Ben is best friends with Jay Brown - played by Jamie Borthwick – and considers him to be a brother after Jay was adopted by the Mitchell clan following the death of his dad.
He’s the dad of Lexi Pearce, daughter of his distant cousin Lola Pearce - the pair had a one-night-stand which resulted in Lola’s pregnancy.
Ben came out as gay in 2011 after sleeping with Lola which was an experiment to test his sexuality.
Phil wasn’t happy with his son coming out and they fell out over it.
Ben even pretended to be straight, getting into a relationship with Abi Branning to prove himself to his dad.
Ben had an affair with Paul Coker while he was with Abi and eventually,unable to hide his true feelings and after Abi tricked Ben into believing she was pregnant with his child, made his relationship with Paul official.
Ben and Paul planned to take over Coker’s Funeral Directors together and had a night out to celebrate.
Tragically Paul was murdered in a homophobic attack, leaving Ben distraught.
He also had a relationship with Luke Browning, unaware that he was actually the son of his mother’s rapist James Willmott-Brown and it was all part of an elaborate revenge plot.
Ben was last seen on January 12 2018 when he fled to France with the money from Aidan Maguire’s botched heist job.
He was intercepted by Mel Owen when he discovered that he had a holdall of newspaper instead of cash. Ben went to France anyway. It was later revealed he was living in Portugal.
During the episode screened on March 18th 2019, Jay called Ben to ask him for some advice about his relationship with Ruby Allen.
Jay was stunned to get a UK dialling tone, meaning Ben is back in the country.
MORE ON EASTENDERS
Why isn’t Harry Reid playing Ben anymore?
Unfortunately, Harry Reid's days as Ben Mitchell are over.
Former Waterloo Road star Max Bowden will be taking over from him.
This makes Max the sixth actor to take on the EastEnders character.
Talking to Digital Spy, Max said: "I'm so ex cited to be joining the cast of EastEnders and taking on the role of Ben Mitchell.
"I've always been a fan of the show so to be joining one of the most iconic famlies in soap is beyond exciting.
"I can't wait to get started and see what's in store for Ben."