Eastenders, Hollyoaks and Doctors
He’s taken off Phil’s dodgy job but intervenes when he smells danger…
BEN WANTS TO DO THE JOB TO PROVE TO HIMSELF THAT HE CAN DO IT
Eastenders makes history this week with an episode told from Ben’s perspective as the day of his job with Phil arrives and he continues to struggle with impaired hearing.
Featuring limited audio and subtitles with words and fractured sentences, it’s hoped the instalment will help viewers understand the realities of being a deaf person living in the UK today.
As D-day arrives, Ben should be on the ball, but out in the Square, he’s distracted to see Lola and Peter together, and fails to notice an oncoming car that almost hits him. Returning home, he and Phil discuss their mission, but Phil’s frustrated that Ben can’t hear him properly. When his son then pulls out a gun, he decides enough’s enough.
‘Since Ben lost most of his hearing, he’s become very damaged and selfloathing,’ says Max Bowden, who plays him. ‘He wants to impress his dad, but he also wants to do the job to prove to himself that he can do it.
‘But Phil sees that Ben isn’t “all there”. That Ben is in possession of a gun is, to Phil, a red flag.’
Ben storms off, and turns his attentions back to Lola. He’s livid when Jay reveals that Lola had an abortion and said Ben was the reason. Dragging her out of the salon, he forces her to admit that she and Peter slept together, and shares some cruel words with his babymother.
‘He’s looking for outlets at that point to release his anger and show that he’s still a dominant male,’ explains Max.
Following his outburst, Ben retreats to The Prince Albert, then sets his sights on tracking Peter down. But his attentions are diverted to the sight of a van following Phil and his accomplice Danny as they head off for their warehouse robbery.
‘Ben’s instinct is that something’s not right, and his dad’s in danger,’ says Max.
Springing into action, he takes Gray’s car, which is in the Arches, and speeds to the scene of the crime. But the situation quickly spirals out of control when he has a gun pointed at him and then makes a shock discovery.
Could Ben’s attempt to save Phil’s skin cost him his life?