EastEnders viewers were left reaching for the tissues during Thursday's emotional episode as Ben Mitchell made a gut-wrenching decision about his daughter Lexi's future.
The dramatic scenes saw Ben, portrayed by Max Bowden, tell husband Callum Highway that he believed Lexi would be better off living full-time with her mother, Lola Pearce-Brown. This heartbreaking conclusion came after Ben's ongoing struggles with his mental health and self-worth reached a critical point.
Father's Devastating Realisation
In raw, emotional scenes that have been praised by fans, Ben confessed to Callum that he no longer believes he's capable of being the father Lexi deserves. "She deserves more than me," the broken character told his husband, explaining his belief that Lola could provide the stable home life he feels unable to offer.
The conversation unfolded in their flat, with Ben's vulnerability on full display as he made what he described as the "hardest decision" of his life. Callum, played by Tony Clay, attempted to reassure his husband, but Ben's conviction that he was failing as a father proved overwhelming.
Viewer Reaction Floods Social Media
Fans immediately took to Twitter and other social media platforms to express their emotional response to the powerful scenes. Many praised Max Bowden's exceptional performance, describing the episode as "heartbreaking" and "devastating."
One emotional viewer tweeted: "I'm actually sobbing. Ben thinking he's not good enough for Lexi is destroying me," while another wrote: "Max Bowden deserves every award going for that performance. Absolutely incredible."
Ballum's Future in Question
The decision also raises serious questions about the future of 'Ballum' - the popular couple's relationship nickname among fans. With Ben pushing away both his daughter and his husband, viewers are left wondering whether this could signal the beginning of the end for one of Albert Square's most beloved pairings.
This storyline continues EastEnders' commitment to tackling difficult mental health issues, following Ben's recent struggles with his identity and self-worth after traumatic events including his sexual assault.
As the episode concluded, fans were left wondering whether this is truly the end of Ben's journey as Lexi's primary caregiver, or whether this represents another turning point in the complex father-daughter relationship that has captivated viewers for years.
