EastEnders character Ben Mitchell, played by Max Bowden, is facing multiple challenges as he battles an eating disorder and witnesses his daughter Lexi growing up. In upcoming episodes of the hit show, Ben grapples with a significant change in his young daughter's life as she begins secondary school.
Ben Mitchell's Journey as a Single Parent
After the tragic death of Lola Pearce earlier this year, hairstylist Ben Mitchell became a single parent, taking care of their daughter Lexi. However, beneath the surface, Ben has been struggling to cope with the pressure and has turned to controlling his food intake as a way of dealing with his emotions.
A Triggering Moment
Next week on BBC One, viewers can expect to see Lexi (played by Isabella Brown) getting ready for her first day of secondary school, which triggers an emotional response from Ben. As the duo discuss what lies ahead for the young girl, Ben finds it difficult to handle the changes occurring in Lexi's routine.
Ben's Coping Mechanism
Overwhelmed, Ben seeks solace at The Vic, drowning his sorrows. However, he is interrupted by his husband Callum Highway (played by Tony Clay), who calls him home to comfort Lexi. At home, Ben encourages his daughter to open up and shares in her excitement for the first day of school.
The Truth Behind Ben's Words
Despite insisting that he is doing fine, Callum grows concerned for Ben's well-being. It remains to be seen whether Ben is truly on the right track or if he is hiding his pain from those around him in Albert Square.
Support from Unexpected Sources
In recent episodes, Ben received support from Kat Slater, his father's fiancée and owner of Kat's Cabs, due to her own experiences. However, it remains uncertain if this support is enough to help Ben overcome his struggles.
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
