EastEnders fans 'in bits' as Ben opens up about eating struggles

The mechanic had a moving talk with his partner Callum

Callum Highway (TONY CLAY);Ben Mitchell (MAX BOWDEN) in EastEnders (BBC)
Ben opened up to Callum. (BBC)

EastEnders viewers said they were left “in bits” after Ben Mitchell finally opened up about his eating disorder.

Mechanic Ben (Max Bowden) has been struggling with bulimia for a while, after a traumatic time that has seen him assaulted by a barman and grieving the loss of Lola (Danielle Harold), the mum of his daughter.

He had been bottling things up but in the latest instalment of the BBC soap he finally told his husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay) that he had been struggling with eating issues.

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Viewers were gripped, with many saying they were in tears over the moving scenes involving Ben and Callum, who many fans have dubbed “Ballum”.

Ben Mitchell (MAX BOWDEN) in EastEnders (BBC)
Viewers were moved by the emotional scenes. (BBC)

“I am sobbing,” one fan posted on Twitter, while another tweeted that they were “in bits” watching it unfold.

Another said it was “heartbreaking” but that it was also “beautiful”.

“Aww tonight’s #EastEnders scenes of Ben and Callum’s intimate chat are pure #Ballum gold,” said someone else.

“I’m emotional after that episode #EastEnders, it was brilliantly put together,” tweeted another impressed viewer.

There was also a lot of praise for the way that Bowden and Clay handled the emotional storyline.

Callum Highway (TONY CLAY);Ben Mitchell (MAX BOWDEN) in EastEnders (BBC)
Viewers praised the actors for their performances. (BBC)

“Just to say, @MaxBowden has been routinely fantastic over the past years on #EastEnders, but this week has been sensational,” remarked one fan.

“Pouring that much raw emotion into Ben must be completely exhausting, but from an audience point of view... we are very grateful!”

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Another said: “Ben and Callum fans have been asking for 2-hander scenes for a very long time.

"We finally got them and the show delivered. Amazing job by all involved.”

“It’s a rollercoaster but Max and Tony are exceptional together,” said another.

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