Don't miss out on the biggest soaps gossip! Get a daily email direct to your inbox with our newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

An EastEnders superfan has splurged a £5,000 inheritance on turning his home into a shrine to Ben Mitchell.

Shaun Smith, 48, spent his nest egg plastering his home with screenshots and making pens, cushions, bedding and clothes with the character's face on.

Shaun, from Basildon, Essex, said watching the character announce he was gay on the BBC soap helped him boost his self-esteem when he was the target of abuse over his own sexuality.

The former chef says he was been collecting Ben Mitchell - played by actor Harry Reid - memorabilia for around eight months following the death of his mother, who left him her home.

(Image: SWNS.com) (Image: SWNS.com) (Image: SWNS.com)

He told the Basildon Echo : "The part Harry plays of Ben is inspirational. I can really relate to him, he has helped me a lot through my journey.

"As time has moved on since coming out, Ben doesn't care who likes him being gay or not and I look up to that. Ben's storyline has made me come out of myself more, I now feel more confident in being gay.

"I just wanted to do something to show what he has done for me - it is an appreciation. He has made me a better person. Nobody realises what he has done for me."

(Image: SWNS.com) (Image: SWNS.com) (Image: SWNS.com)

Mr Smith, who is single, says it is his dream to meet Harry Reid and thank him in person.

He added he is well-known in Basildon for walking in public in his Ben Mitchell onesie and he plans to continue finding items to personalise.