Ben Mitchell is back – and he’s bringing trouble with him!
With Ben Mitchell number 6 now back in EastEnders, the actor Max Bowden, who has taken on the role, has spoken about how Ben views being gay now.
At a press event at Elstree Studios recently where EastEnders is filmed, actor Max described how his version of Ben Mitchell will differ from the last.
“Ben is much more open with the fact that he is gay, and he’s very, very okay with it. The trouble and hurt that’s been placed on Ben in the past is taking its toll a lot more.
"He’s coming back with a broodier sense of self. He’s more aware of who he is, and he’s quite content with who he is - but he still wants to be ‘more’.”
With Ben’s secret plan burning a hole in his back pocket, in the meantime he’s going to have a lot of catching up to do, and is set to be very shocked to find out his once flush dad Phil is now flat broke!
“Ben sees his dad on a pedestal and to see Phil failing is something that he’s not quite expecting,” teased Max.
But Phil’s predicament is not the only curveball Ben is going to be dealing with. He’s adamant that Lola isn’t to rekindle her relationship with Jay.
“It’s because Ben loves Jay, and the way it ended before with Jay getting hurt. It’s a slight worry.
"I think Ben worries that Jay and Lola will hurt each other and then he’ll be in a position where he’s having to choose,” said Max.
No spoilers, but, it looks like he might have his work cut out there!
EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Picture credits: BBC / Jack Barnes and BBC / Kieron McCarron
