Ben Swann is the husband of Laurel Thomas' elder sister Caroline and father of Beatrice and Edward.
Ben was made redundant in late 2007, and a result, their house was repossessed, forcing them to move into the house owned by Caroline's parents, Doug and Hilary, while Doug and Hilary stayed with Laurel and her husband Ashley. Doug and Hilary decided to return home, but their car broke down on the way. Laurel and Ashley offered to give them a lift and when they arrived at the house, they found the front door unlocked. After Ben explained their situation, Ashley suggested Doug and Hilary stayed at theirs. They agreed, much to Laurel's delight.