EASTENDERS fans are certain an iconic character is making his way back to Albert Square. Having debuted almost three decades ago, Ben Mitchell is a very familiar character to viewers. Fans were distraught earlier this year when he was hauled over to the US to face prison for charges of credit card fraud.

Speculating about a potential return, a fan wrote online : "Kathy said the other day that Ben has lost a lot of weight. "So I think he's undergoing his regeneration. Which of the previous Bens were skinniest?" Another replied: "I think Harry Reid was the skinniest.

"If they are going this route I appreciate the little nod to continuity to address the change in body type. "Max was definitely more burly. Both very attractive just different.

" While a third chimed in: "I immediately thought "oh, that's Harry Reid coming back, then." Other users disagreed, as one penned: "Honestly, if/when Ben comes back, I honestly think what's most likely is either Max returns or we get a Ben #7. "I don't think they will reverse-recast.

" Another added: "The show just needs to accept that he isn’t going to ***happen*** regardless of who is in the role and let him stay away for a good while. "As I keep saying, bring back Courtney or even Louise if you want a significant legacy Mitchell child around." Altogether, six actors have starred as Ben over the years, taking him from infancy to adulthood.

The most recent Ben actor, Max Bowden, made his final appearance in March. While the aforementioned H.