DARK times are ahead for Walford troublemaker Ben Mitchell as he’s at the centre of a heartbreaking storyline this week.
Prince Albert manager Lewis Butler takes advantage of him after a night on the town. Here’s what to expect this week in EastEnders.
1. Ben’s night turns into a nightmare
In recent weeks, Ben Mitchell (portrayed by actor Max Bowden) has been getting friendly with new Prince Albert manager and bartender Lewis Butler (Aidan O’Callaghan).
Ben’s husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay) recently caught him kissing the newcomer but eventually forgave the betrayal, letting him know he was still walking on thin ice.
Coming up, Ben has to face the police officer’s wrath when Callum finds out he told Lewis about his vigilante actions, which causes a huge argument between the couple.
Tensions are at an all-time high and, struggling to keep the peace, the pair share some difficult words, parting ways wondering whether this is the end of their relationship.
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As his marriage seemingly falls apart, Ben goes to the Vic to drown his sorrows.
Meanwhile, his daughter Lexi arrives for a sleepover, questioning where he is, and Callum is forced to cover.
The pair spend time together, leading Callum to send Ben a selfie with the young girl in a touching gesture.
However, Ben is down in the dumps and, against his better judgement, spots Lewis on a dating app.
After a few messages, they both meet for drinks and, soon enough, a drunk Ben flirts with Lewis.
Once The Prince Albert shuts, one thing leads to another as Lewis and Ben head upstairs but upon seeing Callum and Lexi’s selfie, Ben has second thoughts.
Ben is then ready to leave, realising his mistake – yet Lewis refuses to let him go and rapes him.
2. Lewis denies everything
Much like any other rape or sexual assault victim, Ben is struggling to make sense of the event the following morning.
Sadly for him, Lewis won’t hesitate to gaslight him – thus making him question his own reality and experience – in a bid to avoid consequences.
The following day, Ben is spotted by his aunt Sam (Kim Medcalf) coming out of The Albert and she winds him up about staying out all night.
In shock, he confronts Lewis about the night before but the latter insists he had been the instigator.
Shocked, Ben has to see for himself and decides to read through his messages with Lewis – while an unimpressed Jay sees what he’s doing.
But Callum also has questions that need answers and asks Lewis what Ben has been up to.
Lewis lies, telling him they were both out on the town the previous night.
Yet Ben comes clean once he is faced with Callum’s interrogations at their flat.
Callum bluntly asks him if he slept with Lewis.
Still reeling from the shock of the night before, Ben doesn’t deny it and, devastated by his admission, Callum walks out.
While actor Max Bowden has teased very dark times for his on-screen alter ego, will Ben realise that he was actually raped?
3. Ritchie threatens Denise
Meanwhile, the Mitchell clan is also trying to get their hands on local nightclub Ruby’s but are experiencing money woes.
Thankfully for imprisoned tough man Phil, his sister Sam is keep to prove she’s still worthy of the family name and respect.
And in a bid to get the cash they need, Sam was ready to torment Denise Fox (Diane Parish).
This week, Sam piles up the pressure on Denise as a firm Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) tells her she needs to move out as soon as possible.
Hellbent on sorting out her business issues, Sam goes to the hair salon owner and asks her for the money she needs.
But when she later meets with her brother’s lawyer, Ritchie Scott (played by Sian Webber), matters are not made any better.
Sam tells Ritchie about her predicament with Denise’s money and the solicitor decides to make Denise a threat she can’t ignore – as it could compromise her own future in the Square.
How will Denise react?
4. Jean makes Lily take her medication
Lily Slater (portrayed by Lillia Turner) is worried for her grandmother Jean’s (Gillian Wright) after the cleaner suffered from a manic episode which almost cost her her life in Southend.
When Jean is brought back home from the hospital after being tormented in her unit, Lily takes it upon herself to take care of her grandmother.
But Lily is also concerned for her own mental health as she knows both her mother Stacey (Lacey Turner) and Jean have been diagnosed with a hereditary condition.
Coming up, Stacey first refuses to let her daughter miss out on school to look after Jean but when she sees how much she needs Lily, she apprehensively agrees.
Unbeknownst to the owner of Stacey’s Baps, Lily has been convinced into taking Jean’s bipolar medication.
When Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) begins to worry about Lily, she suggests that she should spend some time with Martin.
Chaos ensues in the following days as Jean continues to refuse help from Stacey.
Lily eventually comes back to the Slaters’ and Jean is still wanting support from the eleven-year-old.
Stacey has no choice and puts her foot down – Lily won’t be taking care of Jean anymore.
Will she realise what Lily has been up to due to Jean’s convincing?
5. Stuart reveals his true feelings
The cat comes out of the bag for Stuart Highway (portrayed by Ricky Champ) next week.
In recent weeks, and following the birth of his son Roland via surrogate, the Walford tough man has been struggling to bond with his baby.
To preserve his wife Rainie (Tanya Franks), he has masked his postnatal depression as a relapse in his addiction to painkillers.
He has already revealed the truth to Dotty Cotton, while still holding everything under wraps.
This week, however, the undertaker is forced to admit he doesn’t feel anything for Roland.
Rainie first discovers pills Stuart has tried to dispose of and realises Stuart has been lying about taking his painkillers.
She begins to question why Stuart would try and make her believe he’s addicted once again but he hurriedly leaves for his chemotherapy appointment as he continues to battle male breast cancer.
While he successfully avoids Rainie, the truth eventually catches up with Stuart.
In later scenes, the undertaker is forced to admit to his wife that he has no feelings towards Roland, leaving Rainie heartbroken.
Reeling after Stuart’s confession, Rainie decides to get some fresh air.
She bumps into Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths), who can see all is not well – but Rainie simply reminds him how hard it is to take care of a new baby.
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What will Rainie do and how can she help Stuart?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
