IN the span of a few minutes, Lewis Butler wrecked Ben Mitchell’s life by raping him.
But in upcoming EastEnders scenes, the Prince Albert manager moves on and turns his sights to Ben’s husband Callum Highway.
Ben Mitchell has been used to causing trouble, going as far as to physically attack homophobes as a retaliation for his other half’s assault in January, 2022.
But in recent episodes of the long-running BBC One soap, he has found out that danger can also come from within the LGBTQI+ community as Lewis Butler (played by Aidan O’Callaghan) raped him.
And with the latent stigma around the issue of male rape, Ben is confining himself in silence, finding it hard to cope alone with the emotional weight of his assault.
Meanwhile, his husband Callum (portrayed by Tony Clay) is convinced he has actually been unfaithful after catching him kissing Lewis one drunken evening.
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Unaware Lewis is dangerous, Callum fails to realise his trap is closing in on him as both men spend time together next week.
Coming up, Lewis reveals he has been the victim of a homophobic attack and when Ben finds out, he isn’t one to show him any sympathy.
Later on, Callum puts his police career first, forgetting any animosity he may feel towards Lewis by telling him he should report his attack.
Unbeknownst to them, Ben is watching on and is spooked by their exchange.
Lewis takes Callum’s advice and asks him for help to go over how to report the attack.
Although Callum is reluctant to help Lewis, he accepts, allowing him to take advantage of his good nature.
In later scenes, both men have a conversation during which Lewis opens up about his attack – and a bond seems to form.
