EastEnders is set to reveal a heartbreaking rape storyline involving troubled character Ben Mitchell.
BBC soap bosses are set to tackle a new storyline where Ben (who's played by Max Bowden) is sexually assaulted by The Albert's new barman to tackle the sensitive issue of male rape.
The upcoming storyline will begin airing later this Spring and will see fan favourite Ben become a victim of sexual assault by Lewis (played by Aidan O’Callaghan).
Lewis was introduced to Ben and his husband Callum earlier this month as he was hired by Ben's mum Kathy as a new barman for The Albert.
EastEnders viewers have seen Ben struggle recently after he and husband Callum were targeted in a homophobic attack, which has triggered painful memories of when Ben's first love Paul was killed in similar circumstances.
The long-running soap has been working closely with various charities and organisations on the new storyline – including SurvivorsUK, Survivors Manchester and the Male Survivors Partnership – to ensure the storyline is portrayed accurately and approached realistically and with sensitivity in mind.
Max, who plays Ben, said of the harrowing storyline: “Alongside some wonderful charities, and some very inspirational survivors of male sexual assault in the UK, I think we’ve been able to really strive to tell the most truthful account we can, and I hope we can raise awareness and understanding on a topic that is rarely covered.
"I’m honoured to be given this opportunity to tell such an important story.”
Alex Feis-Bryce, who is a trustee of the Male Survivors Partnership, said: "This is a really important storyline and will resonate with many survivors of sexual violence, particularly gay men.
"Storylines like this can be extremely powerful for survivors suffering in silence and I have no doubt that this one will help people speak out and get support.
"It also captures the complexities of sexual violence taking place in the context of modern sex lives and, unlike many media depictions, reflects the reality that most sexual violence is perpetrated by someone known to the victim.
"It was a pleasure to work with EastEnders to ensure that this storyline feels real and reflects the experiences of many survivors."
Kate Oates, who is Head of Continuing Drama at BBC Studios, explained: “Ben has endured a traumatic time after witnessing a homophobic attack on Callum that brought back painful memories of losing Paul.
"As a result, Ben lost his way in life…which is when he found Lewis.
"Ben finds Lewis attractive, and thinks of him as a someone who can understand him in a way Callum does not; but that trust is abused when Lewis crosses a line and rapes Ben.
"Through this story, we hope to explore issues of consent, sexual identity, masculinity, and sexual assault, focussing on how this fateful night impacts Ben and those who love him over the coming months.”
EastEnders is known for its long history of heightening awareness on hard hitting issues, having tackled them in separate storylines over the decades.
The soap has covered female rape stories, as well as storylines that include struggles with mental health and sexuality.
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
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