EastEnders fans were left “traumatised” following Ben Mitchell’s harrowing sexual assault during Monday (May 23) night’s episode.
Over recent weeks, the character – played by Max Bowden on the BBC One soap – has been going through a difficult patch with his husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay).
After yet another fight with Callum, Ben decided to drown his sorrows and download a dating app where he made contact with the new manager of The Prince Albert and bartender Lewis Butler (Aidan O’Callaghan).
Ben and Lewis grew close as they spent an evening together, with Ben opting to go upstairs with Lewis as soon as The Prince Albert closed.
(Image: BBC)
While heading upstairs with Lewis, Ben received a text from Callum which saw him and Lexi pose for a selfie.
After receiving the text, a sobering Ben could be seen having second thoughts and decided to call off his date with Lewis.
While Ben tried to leave, Lewis refused to let him up and events soon took a horrifying turn.
In harrowing scenes, the bar manager decided to rape Ben in the same location his mother Kathy was raped by Wilmott Brown years ago.
(Image: BBC)
The tough scenes had a devastating impact on EastEnders viewers.
Posting to Twitter, fans of the soap said they were “traumatised” by the “sad” scenes and expressed their horror at the awful situation.
One gutted viewer wrote: “Seeing Ben sobbing and fighting is so sad.”
Another tearful fan replied: “The MULTIPLE times he said no, saying it once should ALWAYS be enough!
“Broke my heart watching how traumatised Ben was to the point his face was blank, he couldn’t move, couldn’t react, he couldn’t believe THAT just happened to him.”
(Image: BBC)
Meanwhile, a third fan said: “I’m traumatised. I know Ben has done some bad stuff but he did not deserve what happened to him.”
A fourth viewer responded: “Whoa that scene with Ben was profound.”
Another concluded: “Feel so sorry for Ben, he said no so many times and fell victim to that Irish snake.”
As a devastated Ben plans to tell Callum that he consensually slept with Lewis, will the truth ever be known?
EastEnders airs on BBC One.
If you have been affected by this story, contact Rape Crisis England & Wales for free confidential support and information on 08088029999 or their website or 08088010302 if you’re calling from Scotland.
You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414 if you are in Ireland.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
