EastEnders to air pioneering episode from Ben's perspective

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 3mo

EastEnders will air an entire episode from the perspective on Ben Mitchell to highlight the everyday problems faced by deaf people.

EastEnders is to air an entire episode from the perspective of Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) to highlight the everyday problems faced by deaf people.

Ever since the Thames boat disaster, Ben has suffered a deterioration in hearing, with viewers given intermittent glimpses into his world via a distorted audio track.

Now the soap is going one step further in a special episode to be broadcast in the coming weeks, with Ben's perspective being portrayed to viewers through limited audio levels and on-screen subtitles showing fractured sentences.

EastEnders executive producer Jon Sen said: "The story of Ben's struggle with his deafness has given us a gripping insight into his character. This special point of view episode is a ground-breaking episode unlike any other attempted in the history of EastEnders.

"Helmed by a compelling performance by Max Bowden, it allows the audience the opportunity to experience the world through Ben's eyes and ears - a story communicated purely by his dialogue and the snatched words of those around him.

"I am so proud of what the team have achieved and cannot wait for the fans to see it."

In the episode, Ben will face the day of his riskiest job with Phil to date, leaving him in an unnerving situation which quickly spirals out of control.

EastEnders continues Monday and Tuesday nights on BBC One.