Ben breaks down in Pam’s arms
A REUNION WITH THE GRAN OF HIS LATE PARTNER PAUL PROMPTS AN OUTPOURING OF EMOTION…
Pam Coker makes an unexpected return to Albert Square this week, and it’s initially a very pleasant surprise for Ben – but it ultimately proves to be an extremely emotional meeting…
Ben has retained a close relationship with Pam, the grandmother of his first love Paul, who was murdered in a homophobic attack in 2016 – so Ben is delighted after Jay and Lola organise a surprise reunion for the pair. However, as he struggles to open up about his burgeoning new romance with Callum, Ben’s heartbreak at losing Paul resurfaces.
“Ben blamed himself for Paul’s death, and was totally devastated by his loss,” our Walford sneak reminds us. “Paul was the first man who Ben fell head-over-heels in love with, and they looked set to live happily ever after – until Paul was tragically killed. Ben has always shared a warm and caring relationship with Pam, so his first reaction on seeing her again is a happy one.”
The prospect of filling in
Pam on how his love life has moved on since losing Paul soon proves to be a challenge, however. Still burdened by the enormous loss he felt in the wake of Paul’s death – and his guilt concerning the nature of it – Ben finds himself feeling awkward around Callum.
“Pam’s arrival prompts memories of Paul, and Ben’s great love for him, to come rushing back,” shares our spy. “Callum and Ben had finally reached a point where they seemed to be comfortable with making a future together, but when it comes to sharing this recent development with
Paul’s beloved grandmother, Ben hits a stumbling block.”
Callum unsurprisingly feels gutted as Ben plays down what’s going on between the two of them. And he’s further thrown by another unexpected development later in the week, when Jay decides to step back from the Cokers’ funeral business. Seeing an exciting opportunity for Callum, Ben suggests that he should step into Jay’s shoes, as boss of the family firm…
“Callum’s not convinced by Ben’s idea,” reveals our sneak.
Pam’s arrival prompts memories of Paul to come rushing back…”
“And given that Ben and Paul once planned on running the undertakers’ together, we can see how Ben’s suggestion for Callum might be considered a little bit too close for comfort. So Callum can’t really be blamed for struggling with it!”
Nevertheless, Ben’s ambitious plan does at least prompt Pam to make a thoughtful intervention.
As she and Ben end up embroiled in a muchneeded and emotional heart-to-heart, Pam urges him to find happiness with Callum – and her kind words hit home. Feeling heartened, Ben proceeds to approach Callum with a dramatic gesture… but has he left it all a bit too late to make amends with his lover?