Essie's next relationship is with newly introduced character, locum consultant Ben Sherwood (Charlie Condou). The development was first teased in an advance spoiler trailer. Essie and Ben share a kiss during his debut episode. Condou told Sophie Dainty from Digital Spy that the duo get into a relationship "fairly quickly". Like with Raf before him, Ben has to contend with Essie's on-off relationship with Sacha. Condou commented that their relationship causes tension between Essie and Sacha. Ben and Sacha become "competitors" which is difficult and "very awkward" because Sacha is a "genuinely lovely guy" just like Ben. The situation "tricky" especially as Ben believes he has a long-term future with Essie. Condou added that Ben "definitely falls for Essie in a big way. He really likes her. It's not going to be plain-sailing and very complicated for everyone involved."
