VIEWERS have been waiting with bated breath as Ben Mitchell was announced to be involved in a gut-wrenching storyline.
Next week in EastEnders, the Walford troublemaker is the victim of rape.
In recent weeks, Ben Mitchell (portrayed by actor Max Bowden) has been getting friendly with new Prince Albert manager and bartender Lewis Butler (Emmerdale and The Witcher hunk Aidan O’Callaghan).
However, the friendship takes a very dark turn in upcoming scenes as the BBC One soap will be tackling the distressing topic of male rape.
Coming up, Ben has to face his husband Callum Highway’s (Tony Clay) wrath when the police officer finds out he told Lewis about his vigilante actions, which causes a huge argument between the couple.
Tensions are at an all-time high and, struggling to keep the peace, the pair share some difficult words, parting ways wondering whether this is the end of their relationship.
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As his marriage seemingly falls apart, Ben goes to the Vic to drown his sorrows.
Meanwhile, his daughter Lexi arrives for a sleepover, questioning where he is, and Callum is forced to cover.
The pair spend time together, leading Callum to send Ben a selfie with the young girl in a touching gesture.
However, Ben is down in the dumps and, against his better judgement, spots Lewis on a dating app.
After a few messages, they both meet for drinks and, soon enough, a drunk Ben flirts with Lewis.
Once The Prince Albert shuts, one thing leads to another as Lewis and Ben head upstairs but upon seeing Callum and Lexi’s selfie, Ben has second thoughts.
Ben is then ready to leave, realising his mistake – yet Lewis refuses to let him go and rapes him.
Dark times are ahead for the Turpin Road resident.
The following day, Ben is spotted by his aunt Sam (Kim Medcalf) coming out of The Albert and she winds him up about staying out all night.
In shock, he confronts Lewis about the night before but the latter insists he had been the instigator.
Gaslit by his tormentor, Ben has to see for himself, deciding to read through his messages with Lewis and and unimpressed Jay sees what he’s doing.
But Callum also has questions that need answers and asks Lewis what Ben has been up to.
Lewis lies, telling him they were both out on the town the previous night.
Yet Ben comes clean once he is faced with Callum’s interrogations at their flat.
Callum bluntly asks him if he slept with Lewis.
Still reeling from the shock of the night before, Ben doesn’t deny it and, devastated by his admission, Callum walks out.
How will Ben realise he’s a victim of rape?
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Will Callum learn the truth?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
