EastEnders fans were left heartbroken for Ben Mitchell as he broke down with mum Kathy over his rape ordeal.
The fan favourite character - played by Max Bowden - was raped by newcomer Lewis in a horrifying storyline recently, and has been desperately struggling to cope, too worried about how it would look to others if he admitted to it.
As a result of his secrets, Ben has been spiralling out of control, with everyone getting increasingly concerned for his welfare.
Meanwhile, Lewis has been swanning around the Square, refusing to own up for what he did to Ben that night.
Fans tuning into the BBC One soap have been left feeling devastated for Ben as he finally told Kathy what happened, and vowed he would tell the police about what happened too.
He has been scared to speak about it publicly - or report it to the police - as he doesn't want his husband Callum to know what had happened. But in scenes airing on tonight's show, he finally said he would talk to the police about the ordeal.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: "These scenes between Kathy and Ben are outstanding showing so much vulnerability. I'm crying."
"Ben you’re not a victim, you’re a survivor #eastenders," a second added, as a third shared: "I hope ben listens to kathy. As she's been a victim rape and she came out stronger. Hopefully her words can help ben . Never have I wanted to hug a character more."
A fourth wrote: "It's not your fault Ben NO means NO you've done the right thing by speaking out."
Actor Max Bowden had previously opened up about the importance of the 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," he shared as he spoke about how crucial this storyline is.
BBC head of continuing drama Kate Oates added of the storyline: "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 over the coming months."
*If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
