EastEnders has confirmed details of a new storyline that will see Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) battle an eating disorder.
Over the last year Ben has seen his mental health take a knock due to a number of setbacks, including a harrowing rape ordeal, a drugs-induced heart attack and the impending loss of his daughter Lexi's mother Lola (Danielle Harold).
In the coming weeks Ben tries to take control of his situation by restricting aspects of his lifestyle, including exercise and food, but it soon spirals and he begins to secretly binge and purge food.
For the storyline, EastEnders worked in consultation with Beat, a charity supporting those affected by eating disorders.
"It was vital for us to work alongside Beat to accurately present, and sensitively portray Ben's bulimia storyline," said executive producer Chris Clenshaw.
"Max's performance has thoughtfully portrayed the isolating reality of an eating disorder with compassion and understanding as we explore how the traumatic events of Ben's past have affected his mental health."
Beat's Tom Quinn added: "1 in 4 people with an eating disorder are men, but it's rare to see storylines that show how men are affected by these serious mental illnesses.
"At Beat we welcome that EastEnders has chosen to highlight this important issue and we've been pleased to review scripts, to help ensure bulimia is represented in a sensitive and accurate way.
"We hope that Ben's story will help to raise awareness of the warning signs and encourage people to reach out for the support they need."
EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.
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