There's a new heartthrob on the square!

He's been played by no less than six different actors over the course of two decades.And the latest star to step into the shoes of EastEnders character Peter Beale is hunky newbie Ben Hardy, who has posed for a series of promo shots ahead of his debut on June 7.
Taking over from Thomas Law, who left the show back in 2010, the 22-year-old is set to breathe new life into the role of Ian and Cindy Beale's son, who has been depicted on screen ever since being born in 1993.

Walford's newest addition: Ben Hardy will take over the well-known role of Peter Beale in EastEnders as of June 7

In a bid to inject some new talent into the long-running soap, producers have signed the new actor just months after his on-screen twin sister Lucy Beale was recast with Hetti Bywater in the role.

 

Peter has been absent from screens since his departure just over two years ago, when he was seen leaving Albert Square to go and stay with his grandmother in Devon, after falling out with dad Ian Beale.
His return is sure to set pulsing racing if the new pictures of actor Ben are anything to go by, perhaps providing some competition for David Witts and Tony Disipline.

Taking over: Ben (L) will replace Thomas Law (R) who played the character from 2006 until his departure in 2010

Causing a stir: The 22-year-old actor will rejoin on-screen father Ian Beale, twin sister Lucy and half brother Bobby

The character will be reunited with his on-screen dad, played by Adam Woodyatt, his twin sister and little brother Bobby after his dramatic exit.
The role of Bobby has also been recast this year as producers were forced to swap Alex Francis for Rory Stroud after the young actor bowed out to concentrate on his school commitments.
Speaking about the role, Ben said: 'I'm really excited to be joining the fantastic cast of EastEnders - a show which my family have watched for years.

Watch out girls! The actor is sure to set pules racing, proving competition for other Walford hunks David Witts and Tony Discipline

Sixth actor: Ben will be the sixth person to take on the character, who first hit screens in 1993

'I can't wait to step into the shoes of a character with so much history and am looking forward to getting stuck in,' he added.
EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman said: 'Ben's a wonderful addition to the EastEnders cast and I am sure he will be popular with the audience.
'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.'

Past Peters: Joseph Shade played the character from 1998-2004, followed by James Martin who took on the role from 2004-2006

Former Beale clan: Thomas played Peter in 2007, pictured with Casey Anne Rothery who played Lucy and Aaron Sidwell who played Steven

Double trouble: The blonde youngster was always in his twin sister's shadow, but things are set to change