Next year, Lola Pearce will be making a welcome comeback to Walford after more than three years away.
And with her due to return with six-year-old daughter Lexi, it’s only natural that EastEnders fans have been wondering if Lexi’s dad Ben Mitchell be joining them?
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And the good news is that it’s very likely indeed!
Phil Mitchell’s mechanic son is tipped to return to reconnect with his daughter, almost a year after we last saw him in Albert Square.
In January, Ben left Walford after it was revealed he had stolen the heist money from stepmother Sharon and fled without saying goodbye to his family.
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But the actor who played him, Harry Reid, recently hinted that he’d be back…
“I miss the character of Ben,” the actor told Kent Online.
“I have my frustrations about him and I wanted him to do well in life.”
He added: “I still see Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay, and we have fantasies about how Ben and Jay will take over Albert Square.”
Jamie Borthwick, aka Jay, has also demanded the return of Ben.
Speaking to Digital Spy, he said: “Watch this space. Ben left in a way that was kind of unexplained.
“I suppose he’s got to come back at some point, whether it’s now or whether it’s in two years or three years. But of course I’d love to have him back.”
New boss Kate Oates has already hinted that as many as three old faces will be rejoining the soap next year – so Ben could well be among their number.
Harry Reid has played Ben since 2014. He was previously played by Charlie Jones and Joshua Pascoe.
The character was born in March 1996 and is a convicted criminal who’s been kidnapped by Martin, abused by Stella and imprisoned for killing Heather.
Despite being a chip off the old block when it comes to crime, Ben has struggled to gain his dad’s respect especially since coming out as gay.
It was announced just this week that Danielle Harold will be reprising her role as Lola Pearce.
She said: “I’m so excited to be returning to EastEnders next year. EastEnders was my first acting job and I have so many happy memories from my time there.”
Would you like to see Ben Mitchell back in Albert Square? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!