Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) has lived in fear ever since the new year EastEnders episode that saw Callum (Tony Clay) being badly beaten up in a homophobic attack.
Since then he’s suffered from flashbacks and terrors, convinced that Callum is in constant danger. It’s led Ben to be more guarded about his own sexuality, fearing that being open about being gay is too risky.
These fears bubble up to the surface again in upcoming episodes, as Callum is asked to front a LGBTQ+ campaign at his workplace. He’s keen to take part, but Ben is immediately uneasy. He tries to hide this from Callum, but it’s clear that he’s still struggling in the aftermath of the violent attack.
Unable to cope with the idea of anything else happening to Callum, Ben tells his work that he isn’t interested in being part of the campaign.
When Kathy (Gillian Taylforth)’s new bar manager Lewis is the target of some verbal homophobic abuse while he’s out with Ben, he shrugs it off. Ben is completely triggered by the incident, though, and the next day when he sees the man who shouted the abuse Ben takes matters into his own hands and beats him up.
Is Ben really hoping that the best way to keep Callum safe is to rid the streets of Walford of anyone who could possibly hurt him?
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