Yahoo News Exclusive: EastEnders star calls for Lewis comeuppance
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct that some readers may find upsetting.
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders star Aidan O'Callaghan has spoken about a possible downfall for his evil character Lewis Butler.
Lewis is currently taking centre stage in a dark storyline as he raped Ben Mitchell at The Albert last month.
Since then, Lewis has been trying to manipulate an isolated Ben over what happened that night. However, more recent episodes have seen Ben receive support from his mum Kathy Beale and brother figure Jay Brown after bravely breaking his silence.
Speaking to Digital Spy on the red carpet at the British Soap Awards at the weekend, Aidan discussed whether Lewis will get his comeuppance.
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He told us: "I get drip fed the scripts. It's kind of that point where it's whether you'd like it to be reality, where a lot of people get away with things like this.
"But I think, in the world of soap, it's nice to close things off. Absolutely, I in my heart feel that Lewis deserves his punishment for sure. Fingers crossed."
On the response to the story, Aidan shared: "The reaction has been really interesting. At the beginning, [the audience] really loved Lewis and they were excited to see Lewis on the screen. Then afterwards, there were mixed reactions.
"It's a really important story to tell and some of the fans have been reaching out about the importance of the story. I've also had lots of people reach out and say it's helped them reach support as well. It's been really moving and a fascinating experience."
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Aidan also discussed his experience of working closely with Max Bowden (Ben), Tony Clay (Callum) and Gillian Taylforth (Kathy).
He said: "They've been absolutely fantastic. I believe that Max mentioned at the start he kept his distance from me. Initially I was a bit confused about that, but once we got closer to the story, he told me where that was coming [from] and it really helped that story.
"It helped build that relationship and that tension between us, so I really respect that as an actor in terms of what his craft was.
"Tony and Gillian are absolute idols as well. I'm really good friends with Tony – and Gillian was like my mum!"
Tuesday's EastEnders episode sees Lewis get sacked from The Albert by Kathy, so he retaliates by telling Peter Beale the truth about Ben attacking him recently.
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the topics raised in this story, then numerous organisations can offer help and support including SurvivorsUK (0203 598 3898 or help@survivorsuk.org), Survivors Manchester (0808 800 5005 or support@survivorsmanchester.org.uk) and the Male Survivors Partnership (0808 800 5005 or hello@malesurvivor.co.uk). In an emergency, please dial 999.
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