RAPE ORDEAL
EastEnders viewers break down in tears at Ben Mitchell’s harrowing rape scene
EASTENDERS viewers broke down in tears tonight at Ben Mitchell’s harrowing rape scene.
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).
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However, the friendship took a very dark turn in Monday's episode.
The episode kicks off with Ben facing his husband Callum Highway's (Tony Clay) wrath when the police officer finds out he told Lewis about his secret vigilante actions, which caused a huge argument between the couple.
Viewers know Ben had been seeking out homophobes and brutally assaulting them as revenge for his own homophobic attack.
Struggling to keep the peace, the pair shared some difficult words and parted ways wondering whether this is the end of their relationship.
With his marriage seemingly falls apart, Ben went to the Vic to drown his sorrows.
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Meanwhile, his daughter Lexi arrived for a sleepover, and questioned where he is, leaving Callum forced to cover.
The pair spend time together, leading Callum to send Ben a selfie of them together.
However, Ben doesn't see it and instead decides to self-sabotage by loading up a dating app.
After a few messages, they both met for drinks and, soon enough, a drunk Ben began flirting with Lewis.
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After The Prince Albert closed, one thing lead to another as Lewis and Ben headed upstairs, but upon seeing Callum and Lexi's selfie, Ben began to have second thoughts.
He decided to leave, calling time on his date with Lewis - but the bar manager refused to liste.
Despite Ben telling him to stop, Lewis refused and raped Ben in horrifying scenes.
EastEnders fans were devastated as they watched Ben's terrifying ordeal.
One wrote: "Oh Ben!"
Another posted: "Whoa that scene with Ben was profound."
A third added: "Bit much for 8pm."
Actor Max Bowden has teased very dark times for his on-screen alter ego.
He revealed that Ben's world will crumble before his eyes after the assault.
"There’s a massive element of confusion about what happened the night before", the actor said.
He then added that Ben will go through the tragic struggle of any sexual assault survivor which often involves blame-shifting.
"Ben is blaming himself for the rape and the breakdown of his marriage", Max continued.
"Utterly confused and a bit lost", Ben is in a state of pure shock and slowly but surely "becomes a shell of himself."
"It takes him a while to realise he is a victim. Rape is, for anybody is impossible to get your head around", Max went on.
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"It’s really really tough. He becomes a shell of himself."
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EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
WHERE TO GET HELP
Whenever it happened to you, it’s never too late to get support.
If you’ve ever experienced sexual violence or sexual abuse, you can get confidential support from specialists who will listen to you, believe you and understand how hard it is to talk about.
As a victim, you’re entitled to support whether you report the crime or not. Your rights are set out in full in the Victims’ Code.
Visit to see the support on offer.
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