The actor who played Ben Mitchell in EastEnders looks VERY different now

What a change!

Harry Reid

by Alex Ross |
Updated on

He only left **EastEnders **in January 2018, but actor Harry Reid, who is best known for playing the role of Ben Mitchell in the soap, has already had a complete image overhaul for his new career path.

Harry is about to play the role of Leonard Vole at the Old County Hall in a new production of Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution, and he's certainly left Ben Mitchell's trademark look behind him.

Ditching his former character's glasses and growing some chin stubble, Harry looks very handsome and grown up in the new promotional shots.

Harry Reid
©Twitter / London Theatre

Fans of the actor were quick to comment on his new appearance, one user wrote, 'Love the headshot bro you are an amazing actor good luck in the future bro' [sic], with another adding, 'You look great!'.

He looks a lot different to his Ben Mitchell days...

Harry Reid
©Harry Reid © REX/Shutterstock

Harry made the decision to leave **EastEnders **last year, with his final scenes airing in January.

Ahead of his farewell episode, Harry uploaded a video of himself to his Instagram page, thanking fans for all of their support throughout his time on the soap.

He said, "Hello everyone, just a quick message. I wanted to say a few words because my last episode of EastEnders is going on air in 10 minutes. I just wanted to say thank you really, thank you to everyone who's been supporting me during my time on EastEnders. To the fan groups and all the collages they've done and the videos. You know everyone on here on Instagram and Twitter - on all social media that's really documented my time on there and I really appreciate it."

Harry first joined **EastEnders **in July 2014, replacing Joshua Pascoe as Phil Mitchell's son.

During his three year stint on the show, Harry was involved in a number of major storylines, including the famous 'Who Killed Lucy Beale?' plot.

Harry's character also explored his sexuality during his time on the show, and after going public with his boyfriend Paul, Ben found himself the victim of a homophobic attack.

See what your favourite soap stars are up to now:

Gallery

Child Soap Stars - Where Are They Now?

Molly Conlin1 of 22
CREDIT: Getty Images

Molly Conlin AKA Dotty Cotton, EastEnders

Molly played Nasty Nick's daughter Dotty Cotton in EastEnders between 2008-10 and caused endless mischief with Tiffany Butcher. But where is she now...

molly Conlin2 of 22
CREDIT: Twitter/ Molly Conlin

Molly Conlin AKA Dotty Cotton, EastEnders

... 19-year-old Molly has since gone to college after deciding to concentrate on her studies. After leaving the soap, the actress starred in Annabel's Kitchen, Horrible Histories and Blandings as well as adverts for Ragu Pasta Sauce and Bold 2 In 1. She can now be seen posting glam photos on Instagram.

Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster)3 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Helen Flanagan AKA Rosie Webster, Coronation Street

Corrie's bad girl had some meaty storylines including being kidnapped (twice!) and dealing with her mother's breast cancer diagnosis. Helen left the soap in 2011, but what has she been up to since?

Helen Flanagan4 of 22
CREDIT: Instagram/ Helen Flanagan

Helen Flanagan AKA Rosie Webster, Coronation Street

Nine years since leaving the soap, the actress has appeared in I'm a Celeb, Celebrity Super Spa, Celebrity Wedding Planner and Holby City. She now has two daughters with her fiancé Scott Sinclair. So adorbs.

Melissa Suffield5 of 22
CREDIT: BBC

Melissa Suffield AKA Lucy Beale, EastEnders

Before Hetti Bywater, The Square's tearaway Lucy Beale was played by Melissa Suffield. But where is Mel now...

Melissa Suffield6 of 22
CREDIT: Instagram/ Melissa Suffield

Melissa Suffield AKA Lucy Beale, EastEnders

...since leaving Walford, Melissa has evolved as an actress and has since starred in Casualty and played the role of Norma Jean in a musical about Marilyn Monroe. She's also engaged to long-term partner Robert Brendan and they've welcomed their daughter River into the world.

Tom Cunningham7 of 22
CREDIT: Channel 4

Ellis Hollins AKA Tom Cunningham, Hollyoaks

Ellis Hollins has played Hollyoak's Tom Cunningham since he was just three years old and his storylines have gripped us all, from dealing with his mother's shock death to dealings with Sienna Blake... But where is Tom now?

Tom Cunningham8 of 22
CREDIT: Getty Images

Ellis Hollins AKA Tom Cunningham, Hollyoaks

Seventeen ears later, Ellis is still in Hollyoaks (as lovable as ever) and was even spotted in Ibiza partying. Oh and he's won eight soap awards.

Sam Aston9 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Sam Aston AKA Chesney Brown, Coronation Street

Sam Aston played the adorable Corrie's Chesney Brown since 2003. Speaking about life growing up on a popular soap, he said "At 16, all my mates were getting fake IDs and going to pubs I always knew I couldn't do that." But where is Sam Aston now?

Sam Thompson10 of 22
CREDIT: Getty Images

Sam Aston AKA Chesney Brown, Coronation Street

Sam is engaged to his girlfriend Briony Gardner. The star had previously said 'I do think I'm romantic. I like to treat my girlfriend, buy her flowers and make a fuss of her.' They're also due to welcome their first child into the world later this year.

Eden Taylor Draper11 of 22
CREDIT: ITV

Eden Taylor-Draper AKA Belle Dingle, Emmerdale

Eden Taylor-Draper has played Belle Dingle since 2005, when she fell down a mineshaft on Christmas day. Speaking about being a child actor she said at the time, "there is no time to go off the rails like Belle, I go home and learn my lines and I am in bed by 9pm!" Where is Eden now?

Belle Dingle12 of 22
CREDIT: Getty Images

Eden Taylor-Draper AKA Belle Dingle, Emmerdale

Eden is still in Emmerdale and recently was involved in a storyline where she's had an affair with married man Jamie Tate. Uh oh.

Ben Mitchell13 of 22
CREDIT: BBC

Charlie Jones AKA Ben Mitchell, EastEnders

'Enders troublemaker Ben Mitchell has been played by a handful of actors, but we'll never forget the sweet Charlie Jones who was tormented by the evil Stella. Where is Charlie now?

Charlie Jones14 of 22
CREDIT: BBC

Charlie Jones AKA Ben Mitchell, EastEnders

Charlie is now studying acting at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts – he looks COMPLETELY different to his Walford days.

Charlie Clements15 of 22
CREDIT: BBC

Charlie Clements AKA Bradley Branning, EastEnders

Albert Square's favourite ginge (apart from his onscreen dad Max, obv) Bradley, was a knitted jumper-wearing sweetheart and made us want to pinch his cheeks through the television between 2006 - 2010. We are still getting over his tragic fall, where he saw his grizzly end. Where is Charlie now?

Bradley Branning16 of 22
CREDIT: Twitter/ Charlie Clements

Charlie Clements AKA Bradley Branning, EastEnders

We hardly recognise Charlie Clements with a beard! The actor uploaded the snap to Twitter with the caption. "A year ago everyone was up in arms because I looked SO different at 28 to 18.. bet they didn't expect this at 29! #actor 'chameleon'", He has since starred as Charlie Brackenreid in Murdoch Mysteries.

Sonny Flood17 of 22
CREDIT: Channel 4/Lime Pictures

Sonny Flood AKA Josh Ashworth, Hollyoaks

Of course you remember Hollyoak's rather swishy-haired Josh Ashworth. His character was best known for dating Amy Barnes and an array of outlandish storylines including attempted murder, underage sex, drugs, drinking and joy riding. Where is Sonny now?

Sonny Flood18 of 22
CREDIT: Instagram/ Sonny Flood

Sonny Flood AKA Josh Ashworth, Hollyoaks

Sonny has since completed a law degree at the University of Manchester, working as a paralegal. Miles away from underage drinking a pint at The Dog, eh.

EastEnders19 of 22
CREDIT: BBC

Maisie Smith AKA Tiffany Butcher, EastEnders

When Maisie first joined the cast of EastEnders back in 2008, she was only seven-years-old but she'd already had a small part in Hollywood film The Other Boleyn Girl. After leaving the soap in 2014 to pursue a music career, the 12 year old took to posting her singing videos online.

EastEnders20 of 22
CREDIT: BBC

Maisie Smith AKA Tiffany Butcher, EastEnders

Despite releasing a single in 2016, Walford is where Maisie's heart is at, and she returned to the soap full-time in 2017. She's now a TikTok star and we're obsessed with all her videos.

Corrie21 of 22
CREDIT: REX/Shutterstock

Amy and Emily Walton AKA Bethany Platt, Coronation Street

Little Bethany Platt had a traumatic life during her short years on the soap initially before her exit in 2007. But did you know she was actually played by twins, Amy and Emily Walton?

Corrie22 of 22
CREDIT: Instagram

Amy and Emily Walton AKA Bethany Platt, Coronation Street

Amy and Emily, now 17, haven't really explored the world of acting more since they left the show, and are now concentrating on studying.

Harry will be playing his new role in Witness for the Prosecution at Old County Hall between the 27th March and 18th November.

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