EASTENDERS star Aidan O’Callaghan has been forced to call in bosses after trolling by fans of the soap.
The actor - who plays rapist Lewis Butler in the BBC soap - has received “intense” messages from some after his character raped Ben Mitchell.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the British Soap Awards Aidan opened up about the concerning development.
“The fans have been quite intense,” he told The Sun.
“I have had a couple of intense messages and voice notes that you just have to pass on to management.
“I have to keep reminding everyone that I am an actor and stuff like that.
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“But people are so invested in the story and it can really hit people in certain places.”
However it hasn’t been all bad and Aidan has found huge positives in tackling the story.
“It’s been really overwhelming,” he added.
“People have told me they want to come out as a result of someone representing and being out and proud as the character.
“I’ve had people messaging, reaching out for support.
“Survivors Manchester have told me the numbers have gone through the roof and that’s really moving.”
EastEnders scooped four awards at the bash on Saturday night.
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The BBC soap matched ITV rival Emmerdale, but lost out on the big awards to Yorkshire-set show.
Meanwhile Coronation Street picked up three gongs.