EastEnders fan favourite Ben Mitchell is headed for a shocking storyline of mistaken identity on the BBC soap.
Ben, played by 27-year-old Max Bowden, has been involved in a series of frightening fights, which most recently saw him brutally attack a man who had shouted homophobic slurs at him and Lewis in the street, leaving him in a coma.
Ben has become embroiled in other fights for similar reasons, as he still struggles to cope with the vile homophobic attack on his husband Callum earlier in the year.
BBC spoilers have revealed that the dramatic storyline continues next week, as Ben is unimpressed to see Callum's police poster up.
The situation worsens when they later find it vandalised, leaving Ben furious and out looking for revenge.
The following day, Callum suggests to Ben that they spend some time together for their wedding anniversary - but with the poster still on his mind, Ben avoids him.
When Ben spots a man, Rich, laughing at Callum's defaced poster, he’s left unable to control his temper.
With the situation threatening to get out of hand, Lewis calms Ben down and invites him for a drink.
As Ben heads to The Albert with Lewis, a worried Callum confides in Mick about the ongoing situation with Ben.
Callum is inspired when Zack reckons that he can help him get a good deal on Sharon's old flat.
Callum tells Billy and Lexi the good news, sharing his hopes this could be a new chapter for him and Ben.
But sadly for Callum, it looks like Ben could have other ideas as his temper again flares when Rich reappears to cause trouble.
When Ben leaves The Albert and believes he spots Rich, he attacks him – only to realise it's the wrong person. Who is it and will they be okay?
This comes as EastEnders bosses are reportedly set to tackle the sensitive issue of male rape with a new storylin e which will see Ben sexually assaulted by a barman.
The long-running BBC soap has a long history of tackling hard hitting issues to heighten awareness – with female rape stories frequently being employed, and storylines including HIV diagnosis, struggles with sexuality and mental health battles also being told over the decades.
A new storyline will see Ben to be the victim of a shocking sexual assault by a new character named Lewis.
Show writers have worked with a number of charities including SurvivorsUK, Survivors Manchester and the Male Survivors Partnership to ensure the storyline is approached realistically and with sensitivity.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One
