EastEnders fans worry for Ben as they ‘work out’ character is set for eating disorder storyline

EastEnders fans are concerned about Ben Mitchell, thinking he could be the center of an eating disorder storyline after his disturbing behaviour.

Eagle-eyed viewers have noticed that the character doesn’t eat much while drinking, which could indicate a possible eating disorder on the cards.

Ben struggles after his ex Lola, who has months to live, said she wanted her partner Jay to adopt her and Ben’s daughter Lexi.

He first vowed to fight Jay for custody of Lexi, but has since spoken to the couple and agreed to do “what’s best for Lexi.”

In Wednesday night’s closing scene, Ben explained to his partner Callum and mother Kathy that he had changed his mind after “talking to a few people.”

He then apologized to his spouse for his recent erratic behavior before excusing himself and going to the bathroom.

Viewers then saw Ben emerge from a toilet cubicle with a face drenched in sweat.

He then washed his face in the nearby sink and then stared at his reflection, clearly struggling with his mental health.

Viewers expressed their concern for Ben on Twitter, with one penning: “Ben’s storyline will be so heartbreaking, but such an important story to tell.”

Another said, “All those scenes where Ben avoids food paid off after all. We weren’t sure if we were projecting it or imagining it, but yes, he definitely struggles with some sort of ED. I just hope someone around him notices soon.”

A third wrote: ‘Watching that last scene over and over… it makes me cry’

One commented, ‘I’m really worried about Ben with this new storyline. He drinks heavily and does not eat. This on top of his trauma from his r***. Things will get worse for Ben before they get better’

One wrote, ‘Ben can’t catch a break’ and another added, ‘Poor Ben, he’s been through it all’

Ben Mitchell’s mental health continued to dive to new depths on EastEnders this week, as his ex Lola dropped a huge bombshell after learning she has months to live.

In recent episodes, Ben struggled with his ex’s prognosis and decided to ignore his feelings by starting fights in the Queen Vic.

Ben vowed to fight Jay Brown for custody of his young daughter Lexi Pearce on Tuesday’s episode of EastEnders.

It seemed that Ben’s troubling week took another unexpected turn after learning that his rapist, Lewis Butler (Aidan O’Callaghan) had been arrested and charged with assaulting someone else.

In recent episodes, Ben (Max Bowden) struggles with his mental health as he decides to ignore his feelings by competing in a boxing match.

Lola, the mother of Ben’s child Lexi, has a terminal brain tumor and was recently given only months to live, and her final scenes are expected to air later this year.

She is distraught and later tells Jay that as time is running out she needs to get some essentials in order and wants him to adopt Lexi.

After realizing that Ben might not be able to do the job while she was gone, Lola and Jay arrived to tell Ben their plan.

An enraged Ben yelled, “If you try to take her away I’m warning you, if you try you’re in for a big fight”

While Callum asked if Jay really had to adopt Lexi to become one of her parents, Ben raged at the bombshell, with a huge custody battle looming.

If you’ve been affected by Ben’s storyline, you can find help and support by visiting We Are Survivors or calling the charity’s 24/7 support line on 0808 500 2222.

For eating disorder help and support visit Beat or call the charity helpline on 0808 801 0677.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.