Distraught Ben told devastated Callum to leave (Picture: BBC)
Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) came close to confiding in husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay) about his eating disorder in recent EastEnders scenes, but things took a turn as their discussion descended into a row.
Ben has been battling with bulimia for several months now following a series of traumatic events in his life, and until recently he was suffering in complete silence.
However, Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) soon noticed that something wasn’t quite right when his behaviour around food set off alarm bells for her.
She confided in him that she believed he may have an eating disorder, and shared her own experiences of purging to feel as though she had some control in her life after her ex-boyfriend destroyed her confidence.
Though initially Ben didn’t want to engage in the conversation, he later met with Honey in the café to hear what she had to say.
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As Honey recalled how Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) was always there to support her when things got tough, she urged Ben to confide in Callum, fearing that if he didn’t, he may end up pushing him away instead.
Deciding to take Honey’s advice, Ben called Callum and told him that they needed to talk.
However, he was soon accosted by dad Phil (Steve McFadden), who had witnessed an argument between Ben and Honey outside the car lot earlier in the day.
Honey urged Ben to open up to Callum (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Unaware of how much his son was struggling, Phil demanded that he hold his family together and show no sign of weakness. His words clearly left Ben feeling overwhelmed, as he rushed off, leaving Phil confused.
When Ben emerged from the bathroom back at home, he was shocked to find Callum home early, wanting to talk.
Worried Callum urged Ben to open up, and it didn’t take him long to confide that Lola’s death had impacted him badly.
Callum and Ben’s discussion descended into a row (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
He explained that he felt guilty about not being there for daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown) when she lost her mum, and how he felt like everything had gotten out of control.
Callum was understanding, pointing out that Lola’s death and his experience with Lewis Butler must have had an effect on him, and that he was brave to admit he was struggling.
However, Ben was instantly defensive at the mention of rapist Lewis, insisting that that wasn’t what he was talking about.
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Though Callum argued that it was bound to have affected him, Ben’s guard came up as he insisted that Callum must be obsessed with what had happened to keep bringing it up.
Distraught Ben told Callum that he knew he wouldn’t understand, and that the only way to help him would be to leave.
Devastated Callum did as he was asked, leaving Ben alone in the flat.
Will Callum ever learn the truth about Ben’s illness?
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Ben feels totally betrayed.