For the longest time now, Ben Mitchell, has been battling with a severe case of Bulimia on EastEnders. The BBC One soap has always been a pioneer in making relevant social issues a part of their story, in an attempt to raise awareness or pay homage. From sexual assaults to fatal diseases EastEnders has shed light on a lot. Currently, the drama is focusing a lot on metal health related issues. We recently saw Kim reaching a breakthrough with her PTSD and anxiety that she has developed post her car crash.
Now, Ben is about to make a similar breakthrough with his eating disorder on EastEnders. We are “starting to see little sparks of growth”, actor Max Bowden told the media in a recent chat. Initially, his struggle became severe after it was triggered by the rape Ben endured at Lewis’ hand in May, 2022. Unfortunately, life just kept getting worse for Ben post the incident. And now, with the parental hearing coming up, he is really beginning to unravel.
Max points that Ben “tends to be quite a lone wolf” on EastEnders. Thus, he is trying to handle the situation and contain his struggle in isolation. But given the severity, it is really not working anymore. He is falling apart piece by piece. Furthermore, the actor suggests that Ben also has this struggle with inadequacy. He constantly believes that he is not good enough. This has manifested even further after Lola’s passing.
The EastEnders star feels that Ben is really insecure about Jay developing this close bond with Lexi. Mostly because Ben wants to be that role model in her life. He wants to be “the guide and the light that she needs,” Max reflects. But now he is falling apart so visibly that people around him will take notice. In the upcoming episodes, Honey and Kat will try their best to motivate Ben to get help. They will share their personal stories with him in an attempt to inspire him. Callum, too, will try his best to be there for him.
Eventually, Ben will go to a meeting with Kat and start talking about his trauma on EastEnders. Hopefully, this is what will prove as his biggest breakthrough. But do you think Ben will manage to remain on the path of recovery? Tell us in the comments. Meanwhile, stay tuned to TV Season & Spoilers for more EastEnders updates on Ben’s journey!