Ben Mitchell finally revealed that he and Paul Coker were set upon in a homophobic attack, as the truth about Paul’s death began to emerge in EastEnders.
In dramatic scenes in Thursday’s show, Ben (Harry Reid) was questioned by the police about how Paul (Jonny Labey) had died and asked why he had kept quiet the fact they were a couple.
But an agitated Ben told them it had been a mugging.
Inside the Queen Vic, Ben was later confronted by Paul’s distraught grandmother Pam, played by Lin Blakley.
“How could you let this happen?” she demanded.
“I knew you weren’t good enough, a low-life with a criminal record. I knew you were trouble. You are the worst thing that ever happened to him. I wish it was you. I wish you had died.”
To the shock of the pub, Ben replied: “So do I.”
At the end of the episode, he was seen breaking down to friend Johnny Carter and confessing it was a homophobic attack.
He finally explained what had happened that night, saying they had been verbally abused by four men using homophobic language.
“We left the club, taking selfies, laughing about something stupid.
“These four blokes started following us down the road, shouting, ‘F******. Come here, you f******.’
“Paul said I should just leave it but I didn’t, did I? I had to start mouthing off like I always do.
“Paul’s dead, and it’s all my fault.”
As the credits rolled, actor Jonny paid a simple tribute to his character by raising a virtual glass.
It was heartbreaking for viewers to watch as the truth was revealed.
But fans warned the show that they weren’t prepared for anything to start between Ben and Johnny (Ted Reilly).
EastEnders returns on Friday at 8pm.
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