Ben was one member of a stag night party that called into the Rovers in April 2016 to celebrate the forthcoming wedding of their friend Gareth. The group knocked back pints and shorts and quickly became inebriated. Gareth crashed into one of the booth tables where Ken Barlow, Freddie Smith and Audrey Roberts were sat, knocking over the latter's drink. When they politely remonstrated with him, Ben became very belligerent, contemptuously calling Ken "professor" and the situation was only diffused by a combination of threats and humour from Freddie. Gareth bought Audrey a replacement drink and the group continued their celebrations in better humour though the regulars were all pleased to see them leave. Ken was jealous of the admiration that Audrey showed towards Freddie in standing up to Ben