EastEnders regular Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) will be the victim of a gay rape attack in a new storyline, it has been revealed.
The long-running soap has worked with several charities - including SurvivorsUK, Survivors Manchester and the Male Survivors Partnership - on the plot, which will see Ben raped by the seemingly-affable new Albert barman Lewis (Aidan O'Callaghan).
Bowden, 27, told The Sun: "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."
BBC head of continuing drama Kate Oates added: "Ben has endured a traumatic time after witnessing a homophobic attack on Callum (Tony Clay) 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, focusing on how this fateful night impacts Ben and those who love him."
The storyline will play out over the coming months.
Neil Wilkes
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