Mitchell family physically and mentally abusing Ben behind his back. This is revealed on their wedding day, and Stella committed suicide in the aftermath. The wedding was also significant for the Mitchell family as it saw the introduction of Phil's cousins, Ronnie (Samantha Womack) and Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons), as wild and fun-loving sisters from Ibiza. They buy the local club, R&R. Ronnie and Roxy's father, the manipulative Archie (Larry Lamb) is introduced a year later in 2008, sharing a good relationship with Roxy but a broken one with Ronnie. The true reason of Ronnie and Archie's bad relationship is soon revealed;
Ben Mitchell (EastEnders) Phil is arrested on suspicion of attempting to kill Ronnie, he puts Ben in charge of his garage. Max Branning (Jake Wood) starts helping him with deals, only to trick Ben into signing over the garage to him as revenge for the death of his girlfriend Emma Summerhayes (Anna Acton), which Max has blamed Phil for, though Phil eventually gets the garage back. Ben then starts a sexual relationship with Paul Coker (Jonny Labey), whilst maintaining his relationship with Abi. Ben grows frustrated with Abi's controlling behaviour, and she is suspicious, so Ben has sex with her to allay her