Eagle-eyed soap fans were thrilled to spot EastEnders‘ ‘original Ben Mitchell’ in BBC1’s hot new drama Noughts & Crosses.
On Thursday night (March 5), the TV adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s novel kicked off at 9pm, set in a fictional world where black people rule over a white underclass.
Read more: EastEnders’ Sharon Mitchell makes heartbreaking decision as Dennis death aftermath continues
Some viewers may have been tuning in to catch a glimpse of British rapper Stormzy guest starring as newspaper editor.
WAIT… Is that original Ben Mitchell!!!!!!
But it was the appearance of actor Charlie Chambers, also known as Charlie Jones, that whipped soap fans into a frenzy.
Charlie, who some see as the original Ben Mitchell in BBC1’s EastEnders, appeared as Danny Hickson in his first major TV role since leaving the soap.
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Charlie played Ben on the BBC soap between 2006 and 2010, before the role was recast.
While he wasn’t the original Ben technically, he’s one of the longest-serving actors in the role – and one of the most memorable.
Charlie took on the role of the 10-year-old in 2006, when the character returned to Albert Square following the ‘death’ of mum Kathy Beale – who later turned out to be alive and kicking.
Charlie played Ben for four years during his childhood, and was at the centre of some huge storylines including domestic abuse.
His most memorable storyline was the physical and mental abuse he suffered at the hands of his dad Phil’s girlfriend Stella Crawford.
The actor was recast in 2010, with Joshua Pascoe taking over the role.
Three other actors have played the role since then, including the most recent incarnation Max Bowden.
TV fans were amazed to see Charlie appear out of the blue as Danny on Noughts & Crosses.
One tweeted: “WAIT… Is that original Ben Mitchell!!!!!! #NoughtsAndCrosses.”
Another wrote: “Watching Noughts & Crosses. Is that Ben from EastEnders? Ben number three, I think.”
A third added: “The OG Ben Mitchell #NoughtsAndCrosses.”
“Wow look at Ben from EastEnders,” said another, while one more exclaimed: “OMG is that the old Ben from EastEnders?!”
WAIT….
Is that original Ben Mitchell!!!!!! #NoughtsAndCrosses pic.twitter.com/BrqViYfEo6— Jack Newman (@Janksy_) March 5, 2020
Watching Noughts an Crosses is that Ben from Eastenders? Ben number 3 I think #NoughtsAndCrosses
— Anna (@Anna30566420) March 5, 2020
The OG Ben Mitchell #NoughtsAndCrosses
— Francis Ezekiel (@FrancisEzekiel) March 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/sinnamon_spyce/status/1235672058459283457
Wow look at Ben from Eastenders #NoughtsAndCrosses
— arteta’s angel. (@franklycasey) March 5, 2020
omg is that the guy who used to play Ben Mitchell in eastenders ?! #NoughtsandCrosses
— ♌️ (@kxeks_) March 5, 2020
Sadly, Charlie’s character Danny didn’t survive long, meeting a grisly death during the one-hour episode.
According to Charlie’s InterTalent page, he graduated from ALRA drama school in 2018.
As well as playing Ben, he played Shaun in Where the Mangrove Grows at Theatre 503.
His agent Brooke Kinsella is also a former EastEnders star, having played Kelly from 2001 to 2004.
🥺 #NoughtsAndCrosses pic.twitter.com/cs54Mp9itj
— Noughts + Crosses (@noughtcrosstv) March 5, 2020
Casting announced & filming begins for @BBCOne’s #NoughtsandCrosses. We are delighted that CHARLIE CHAMBERS (@CharlieJones_CJ) joins the cast as Danny Hickson! pic.twitter.com/A6l983Uetw
— InterTalent (Actors & Creatives) (@InterActors) November 8, 2018
Something tells us we’ll be seeing more of Charlie in the future! Watch this space!
Who is your favourite Ben Mitchell? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!