Ben Mitchell

[Perdita]

No, not yet

[lizann]

another midnight casting announcement tonight which could be ben

[Perdita]

Harry Reid has been cast as returning character Ben Mitchell in EastEnders.

The son of Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) will return to the BBC One soap - as exclusively revealed by Digital Spy earlier this year - following a stint in prison for killing Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison).

Ben's return is likely to send shockwaves to residents of Albert Square, including ex-girlfriend Lola (Danielle Harold), daughter Lexi, and Heather's best friend Shirley (Linda Henry).

Earlier this year, Phil was surprised to hear that Ben had been released from prison early, but was not able to track him down. However, it was revealed that Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) was still in contact with him.

Harry Reid as Ben Mitchell & Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell in Eastenders
© BBC

Newcomer Reid said of his role: "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."

Harry Reid as Ben Mitchell & Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell in Eastenders
© BBC

Producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins added: "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..."

The character of Ben has appeared in EastEnders on and off since his birth in 1996. Joshua Pascoe was the most recent actor to play the role, appearing on screen between December 2010 and August 2012. Get the Inside Soap magazine on your iPhone or iPad

[tammyy2j]

Ben isn't half Beale

[sarah c]

Father Phil Mitchell

Mother Kathy Beale?

[tammyy2j]

Father Phil Mitchell

Mother Kathy Beale?

Kathy was divorced from Pete Beale, Ian's father

[tammyy2j]

.

[Perdita]

Kathy was divorced from Pete Beale, Ian's father

But she was Ben's mother

[Perdita]

Kathy was divorced from Pete Beale, Ian's father

But she was Ben's mother

[sarah c]

But she was Ben's mother

And she never went back to whatever her maiden name was?