EastEnders legend Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) returned to Albert Square in

recent scenes, but she didn’t come with good news. The café owner had been visiting

son Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) in America, where he is currently in prison after

pleading guilty to fraud. In tonight’s episode, Kathy returned home with updates for her family about Ben’s situation – and there were a few surprising updates waiting for her too. As Kathy discussed her trip with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), she was shocked to discover that she and Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) were engaged. Later, she headed into the Vic with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), who updated her on Linda Carter’s (Kellie Bright) current situation. BREAKING: Our thoughts and prayers with Vicki Michelle Share Heartbreaking News: ‘It’s been difficult time for her’ 1 day ago Our thoughts and prayers with James Farrar – ‘It’s been difficult time for him 2 days ago Viewers will know that Kathy is one of The Six, meaning that she was caught up in the events surrounding Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) murder on Christmas Day.

Sharon was quick to tell Kathy all about the deal Linda almost made with Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo), before revealing that Linda was set to go to rehab. Kathy wasn’t so sure that was a good idea, but Sharon insisted that it was better for her to talk to specialists than fall apart on the stand while drunk. Kathy then put a stop to their conversation when she spotted Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), and headed over to break some bad news about her visit with Ben. She revealed that Ben had lost weight and clearly hadn’t been sleeping, as he was struggling to cope with life in prison.

As she explained that his appeal wasn’t going anywhere fast, and that Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) had stayed in the States to try and find him a new lawyer, Phil offered to give him a call, though Kathy insisted that it wouldn’t help. She explained that Ben didn’t want anyone to know he was struggling, and that he’d probably worry that Phil would fly off the handle and jeopardise everything. However, Phil clearly had bigger problems at hand, as he soon rushed out on their conversation, leaving Kathy baffled. Will anyone be able to help Ben?