Soap fans will soon have another soap crossover to enjoy, as Brookside legend Barry Grant is set to return to our TV screens with a guest appearance in EastEnders.

Actor Paul Usher played villainous Barry on Brookside for a period spanning over 20 years, appearing in the show's first episode in 1982 before leaving in 1995 and returning for a handful of appearances afterwards, including in the soap's final instalment in 2003.

And now the Daily Star Sunday reports that Usher, who also played DS Des Taviner on police drama The Bill between 2001 and 2004, will be playing the role of a hard-man on EastEnders in a string of episodes set to air in the coming weeks.


Paul Usher

According to the publication, his character is set to be part of a dramatic storyline featuring Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and his son Ben (Max Bowden), with Ben due to make a dramatic return to the Square in the next few weeks.

If Barry Grant – who committed murder, arson and robbery during his time in Brookside – is anything to go by, then Usher is sure to be a pretty menacing presence in the Square.

Waterloo Road actor Bowden has taken over the role of Ben from Harry Reid, becoming the sixth actor to play the character.

"I’m so excited to be joining the cast of EastEnders and taking on the role of Ben Mitchell," he said. "I’ve always been a fan of the show so to be joining one of the most iconic families in soap is beyond exciting. I can’t wait to get started and see what’s in store for Ben."

Ben isn't the only popular character making a comeback either, as he'll soon be joined by Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), who's now a fiercely protective mum to her and Ben Mitchell's daughter Lexi.


Digital Spy