EastEnders to air THIS special 'ground-breaking' episode next month

EastEnders
(Image credit: BBC)

The new episode will be entirely from Ben’s perspective…

EastEnders will dedicate a special episode to Ben Mitchell, as he struggles with the deterioration of his hearing.

Viewers will experience the episode from Ben's point of view as the day of his riskiest job with Phil arrives.

Ben is at the hospital for his operation in EastEnders.

Ben Mitchell has been struggling ever since losing his hearing bacon February (Picture: BBC)

The episode will use limited audio levels and on-screen subtitles showing words and fractured sentences to reflect Ben’s hearing difficulties.

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In this episode, EastEnders hopes to showcase some of the realities of being a deaf person in the UK today.

Following the aftermath of the Thames boat incident, viewers have already seen Ben struggling, but now he's trying to prove himself to dad Phil.

However, the BBC soap teases that the men find themselves "making a deal with the devil" in a situation that spirals out of control.

EastEnders has worked closely with the National Deaf Children’s Society to bring this episode to life.

EastEnders Ben

Viewers will experience Ben's struggle through his own eyes (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes)

They've also consulted audiologists and other experts to make it as accurate as possible.

In addition, Walford will soon welcome new character Frankie, who is played by deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.

She will meet with Ben and offer him support during a challenging time in his life.

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Speaking about the episode, 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."

EastEnders will temporarily air a reduced schedule of two episodes a week. Watch on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7:30pm on BBC One. 

Lucy Buglass
Senior Staff Writer

Lucy joined the WhatToWatch.com team in 2021, where she writes series guides for must-watch programmes, reviews and the latest TV news. Originally from Northumberland, she graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Film Studies and moved to London to begin a career writing about entertainment.


She is a Rotten Tomatoes approved film critic and has a huge passion for cinema. She especially loves horror, thriller and anything crime-related. Her favourite TV programmes include Inside No 9, American Horror Story, Stranger Things and Black Mirror but she is also partial to a quiz show or a bit of Say Yes to the Dress