Harry Reid (actor)

Harry Reid (born 22 June 1992) is a British actor, known for his role as Ben Mitchell in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders from 2014 onwards.

Reid trained in acting, physical theatre and musical theatre at Miskin Theatre in Dartford, Kent from 2008 until 2010. He performed in several stage shows including 'Wind in the Willows', 'The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui' and 'Agamemnon'. Reid then underwent a three year BA (Hons) Acting degree at The Arts University Bournemouth between 2010 and 2013. He did stage shows, short films, workshops and a music video for his university.

Reid appeared in his first short film outside education, in 2013. He starred in main roles in the police stopping crime short films. In early 2014, he appeared as lead role, Tom in a short film called The Last Waltz for Canterbury Christ Church. He later appeared in a feature film, called K-Shop, for White Lantern Films as Ricky.

EastEnders

On 18 July 2014, it was announced that Reid had been cast as the fifth actor to play Ben Mitchell in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, replacing Joshua Pascoe who played Ben for two years until 2012. The character of Ben had been within the soap on-off for sixteen years up until his most recent departure in 2012. On his casting, Reid said: "I’m very excited to be joining EastEnders – not only because it’s a great show but also to be playing Ben, a character that is so renowned and from such an iconic family. I’m looking forward to getting started and working closely with the legendary Steve McFadden [who plays Reid's on-screen father, Phil Mitchell]. I can’t wait to become a fully-fledged Mitchell." The role was Reid's first major role since leaving university.

Since Reid's arrival, Ben's main storylines have included: a part in the Who Killed Lucy Beale? storyline; entering a relationship with childhood sweetheart Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald) whilst exploring his sexuality with Johnny Carter (Sam Strike) and later, Paul Coker (Jonny Labey); coming out and going public with his relationship with Paul; being involved in a homophobic attack which claimed Paul's life; and a liver transplant for his father Phil.

Reid supports Arsenal F.C. and was described as an "avid football fan".