Kathy Beale returns to Albert Square next week and shares some heartbreaking news about son Ben Mitchell who is currently behind bars in American for committing fraud

EastEnders have shared an update on Ben Mitchell months after he was jailed for committing fraud in America.

Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) returns Albert Square next week after leaving the Square to visit her son across the pond. Ben’s (Max Bowden) family were left stunned earlier this year when he was arrested for a fraud and was sentenced to a custodial sentence after pleading guilty.

It transpired that he committed the crime when he travelled to the US to inquire about specialist treatment options for Lola Pearce’s (Danielle Harold) brain tumour.

While across the pond, he ran out of cash, and ended up stealing a credit card in order to fund his trip. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain, as Lola sadly passed away before he got home.

As Kathy arrives back home, She is quick to inform ex Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) that their son Ben isn’t coping well, and that Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) is staying to try and get him a better lawyer.

Desperate, she begs Phil to put all his efforts into helping with Ben’s appeal. Will he put his son first? However, Phil is somewhat distracted by his own problems thanks to Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman).

After investing in a sham opportunity, Phil has been determined to get his money back from the dodgy accountant – though Reiss doesn’t have it. Viewers know that Reiss used Phil’s money to pay off his debts, after falling behind in his payments for late wife Debbie’s care.

As Phil’s deadline looms, Reiss can’t afford to pay him. Ahead of Kathy’s plea, Phil tracks Reiss down once more in a rage, and Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) are forced to calm the situation.

Will Phil get his money? And, more importantly, will he be able to help his son?

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer