EastEnders: Meet the new Ben Mitchell – but did he kill Lucy Beale?

It’s been almost a year since Ben Mitchell was last on EastEnders. Now, in the wake of Lucy Beale's murder, he's back - but look how much he’s changed...

Published on18th July 2014 at 3.58pm

EastEnders has reintroduced long running character Ben Mitchell to Albert Square and will be played by TV newcomer Harry Reid.

Bournemouth University graduate, Reid, will be the fifth actor to take on the role of Phil Mitchell’s troubled son, as he replaces Joshua Pascoe, who said goodbye to the square after two years of starring in the BBC one soap.

READ: SHARON RICKMAN PLOTS TO TAKE DOWN PHIL MITCHELL

Bad boy Ben, was last on screen in 2012 when he handed himself into the police for murdering Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison). But earlier this year viewers saw Ben’s father, Phil, make the discovery that his son had been granted an early release from prison, only weeks after Lucy Beale was murdered.

Failing to return to the square, his whereabouts have remained a mystery ever since, with fans discussing the possibility of Ben’s involvement with Lucy’s murder.

Via BBC One

Furthermore, Eastenders’ producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins has hinted that Ben faces a rocky road ahead. He said: “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."

SEE: EASTENDERS FINALLY UNVEILS CRUCIAL LUCY BEALE EVIDENCE

No doubt Ben’s reappearance will send shockwaves to Heather’s best pal Shirley Carter, (Linda Henry) and the mother of his child, Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold).

Speaking ahead of his new role, Reid, who previously worked as a chef in a Macro Pierre diner, said: “I’m very excited to be joining Eastenders – not only because it’s a great show but also to be playing Ben.