Ben to flee Albert Square

TV

09:30 31 March 2006

Phil Mitchell's son will flee Albert Square to escape the tug of love between his dad and half-brother Ian Beale, in a gripping new 'EastEnders' storyline.

Ben, played by nine-year-old Charlie Jones, recently arrived in the Square after his mother Kathy, Phil's ex-wife, was killed in a car crash in South Africa.

The youngster has been living with Ian, actor Adam Woodyatt, since coming to the UK, but his father, played by Steve McFadden, is determined to gain custody and wages war against the café owner, with unforeseen consequences.

A BBC source told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "It's a real wake-up call for both Phil and Ian. It's Ben who's the child - but they're the ones acting like children."

The custody battle is not the only problem Ian will have with the Mitchell clan.

Phil's brother, Grant, is allegedly set to bed his girlfriend sexy Scot Jane Collins.

The illicit affair will leave the unlucky-in-love businessman heartbroken and add to the hateful feud between the Ian, Phil and Grant, actor Ross Kemp.

(C) BANG Media International