Yahoo News EastEnders star Tony Clay speaks on Ben Mitchell's male rape storyline
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct that some readers may find upsetting.
EastEnders star Tony Clay has spoken on Ben Mitchell's male rape storyline on the soap.
The BBC previously confirmed that Ben (Max Bowden) will be raped by bartender Lewis Butler in a new storyline on the soap, set to air this month.
Ben befriends Lewis as he loses his way in life, though that trust is abused when Lewis crosses the line.
Tony, who plays Ben's husband Callum, explained in an exclusive interview with Digital Spy that the storyline is "so important".
"I think it's something that the older soaps have covered in some sort of way," he said. "It's so important to keep stories like this prevalent and on people's minds, because it's something that happens more often than people think.
"I think it's something that, when done well, can be really hard-hitting and thought-provoking and get a conversation going. Ultimately, that's our job. I think that's the job of all shows, really, and for us as actors, it's so important. That's what we sign up to do: to tell important stories.
Related: 13 huge EastEnders spoilers for next week
"I think Max [Bowden] and Aidan [O'Callaghan, who plays Lewis] and everyone involved in this story will really handle certain trust and respect and I think they will do it really brilliantly," Tony added.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing it, and to be a part of it, which is really special. My involvement and Callum's involvement is more in the later stages. I'm sure we'll see how Callum deals with that at some point as well. "
The actor explained that it will "absolutely" be Ben and Callum's biggest challenge to date, noting: "It's such a sad subject and it's so important to handle it with care, which is what we've been doing from what I've seen and what I've read.
"Obviously Max and Aidan have been doing scenes where Callum's not there, but I think the audience will be really taken aback by it actually.
"I hope that it resonates with people and maybe encourages people to come forward about things that have happened to them in the past. Ultimately, if you get even one person that does that, then the show has done its job."
Asked whether he hopes Ben and Callum can get through this together, Tony revealed: "We were doing some lovely things the other week, and it's just so nice when you've got really beautifully written and well thought out stories, it's such a joy to play.
"As an actor, you just want to tell beautiful stories and great, hard-hitting stories. Max and I have got a really lovely chemistry and a great relationship on and off screen. I consider him as one of my really close pals. We work really well together and I hope that it continues.
"I love Ben and Callum. I love working with Max and it's something that I definitely want us to continue with going forward. But there's always room for a bit of turmoil as well."
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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