Ben Hardy

[Shepherd]

A YOUNG actor who grew up in Sherborne will be playing a major role in one of the nation’s leading soap operas from this summer. Former Gryphon School pupil Ben Jones, stage name Ben Hardy, is set to play Peter Beale in EastEnders.

Peter, son of Ian and brother of Lucy and Bobby, is set to return to Albert Square in July.

Commenting on the role, 22-year-old Ben said: "I’m really excited to be joining the fantastic cast of EastEnders – a show which my family have watched for years.

"Ben's a wonderful addition to the EastEnders cast and I am sure he will be popular with the audience," EastEnders' Executive Producer Lorraine Newman told us. "Having Peter back in the Beale fold helps cement the next generation of the Beale clan, a family who exist at the true heart of the show. Ian's wonderful relationship with Denise and the inclusion of Lucy, Peter and Bobby in the household will reinvigorate the clan with vibrancy and energy. I am really looking forward to seeing them all together on screen."