Eastenders star reveals whether a relationship could be on the cards for Ben Mitchell and Johnny Carter
By Will Stroude
Ben Mitchell (Harry Reid) has faced dark times in recent weeks, as he comes to terms with the loss of his boyfriend Paul Coker (Jonny Labey) following a deadly homophobic attack.
He and friend Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) are determined to take matters into their own hands, and scenes airing next week will show the pair attempt to get revenge for Paul. Will Paul be get the justice he deserves, or will things backfire?
Speaking to Digital Spy, Harry Reid dropped a few hints about what fans can expect from Ben and Jay in next week’s episodes, and gave his thoughts on the future of Ben’s relationship with Johnny Carter (Ted Reilly).
“[Jay and Ben] are brothers and they are very close,” he said. “They look out for each other. They’re also not afraid to take big steps.
“I’ll let you find out, but I think Ben and Jay’s pact is something that can help each other. Jay’s in a bad way at the moment and so is Ben. So it’s about them coming together and having a shoulder each to lean on. And doing whatever it takes.”
“Whatever it takes” is usually soap-code for high drama – so fans should prepare themselves for something big from the pair when they being to exact their plans on Paul’s killers. Meanwhile, Johnny Carter has been trying to convince Ben to work with the police.
While they might have different thoughts on justice, the pair have been through a lot together. But if you were hoping that friendship might lead to romance, you may be in for a disappointment, as Harry reckons that the pair will continue to be close, but platonic.
“With Johnny Carter, there is this tendency that we have a gay character come on the Square and people go: ‘They are obviously getting together’,” said Harry.
“I think they work better as a friendship, as when Sam Strike was here playing Johnny, they had a little coming together but it didn’t happen”.
“Actually Johnny has helped Ben through so much, especially the coming out and being comfortable with his surroundings. They are becoming more of a friendship, almost a brotherhood. They are two guys in the same position, but it’s easier for Johnny as he has a loving family behind him. I don’t see them coming together, but who knows?”
Eastenders continues tonight at 7:30pm on BBC1.
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