Ben Mitchell is returning to EastEnders played by a different actor… again

You need slappin' down... for the sheer number of actors you have had play this poor guy.

Look lads, Ben Mitchell in an icon. He has been ever since he danced to Girls Aloud, caused an obscene amount of grief for Phil, and threatened someone with a wrench. He's an absolute mad lad and we are forever and always here for his presence. So naturally when we were presented with the news that Ben Mitchell was returning to EastEnders we were delighted. And yeah, OK, he's not returning as the actor who made him the cultural icon that he is today (Charlie Jones), but rather as Waterloo Road star Max Bowden. Or, in other words, the sixth person to play Ben Mitchell in about 15 years. Yeah, sixth.  Bowden will make his EastEnders debut later this year, replacing the lad who last played Ben, Harry Reid. We don't know exactly where Reid is gone or why he had to leave, but we can only assume that replacing Ben Mitchell has become somewhat of a joke over in the BBC writers' room so we'll just let them get on with it. Bowden told The Sun that he is "so excited" to be joining the cast as Ben. "I’ve always been a fan of the show so to be joining one of the most iconic families in soap is beyond exciting," he said. "I can’t wait to get started and see what’s in store for Ben." Probably another replacement in a few months, mate. Producer Kate Oates said Ben's return will allow the soap to explore the character in ways they never have done before.

"A character like Ben, with his rich history, ‘complicated’ family and complex psychology, is pure gold," she said.

"With Max in the role, we will be exploring the aspects of Ben’s character that have been allowed to develop during his time away from the Square: unfettered by old loyalties, and out of the long shadow of his father, Phil."

Can't wait.