BEN Mitchell is the victim of a devastating rape next week as a new storyline begins.
But when he confronts his tormentor, Lewis Butler, the EastEnders character is dealt with an even bigger blow.
There’s more trauma ahead for Walford troublemaker Ben Mitchell (portrayed by Max Bowden).
After a drunken evening, Ben is spotted by his aunt Sam (played by Kim Medcalf) coming out of The Albert next week and is wound up about staying out all night.
Hours before, Ben was enjoying a drunken evening with Prince Albert manager and bartender Lewis Butler (Aidan O’Callaghan).
Meanwhile at the flat, Ben’s husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay) is suspicious about where has Ben has been.
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But when they bump into Lewis, the latter lies and says they were both out on the town.
Ben is in shock from the events of the night before and confronts Lewis about his actions – but he is told that he instigated everything.
As fans already know, Lewis actually raped Ben as part of a new gut-wrenching storyline which has been teased by EastEnders bosses.
It all begins when Callum fumes at Ben for telling Lewis about his vigilante actions against homophobes, which leads to a huge argument between the couple.
When the pair exchange more harsh words, both Callum and Ben are left wondering about the future of their relationship – and Ben leaves to drown his sorrows at The Vic.
While there, he spots Lewis on a dating app and, against his better judgement, messages him before meeting up with him for drinks at the Prince Albert.
After some flirting, Ben and Lewis head upstairs once the bar shuts and one thing leads to another.
But Ben is brought right back down to earth when he receives a selfie from Callum and his daughter Lexi.
Overwhelmed by second thoughts, he tries to leave but Lewis refuses to let him go and rapes him.
While speaking to HOAR and other press, actor Max Bowden has mentioned his character would struggle to come to terms with the ordeal, especially due to Lewis’ gaslighting.
Matters will only be made worse, notably by Callum’s reaction as the stigma around male rape is still particularly present in the gay community.
“It’s easier for Callum to think Ben cheated on him”, the soap star said and it’s no wonder as the police officer caught Ben kissing Lewis in previous scenes of the show.
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Will Ben come to his senses?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
