Ben Mitchell is ALIVE but is left crushed as he discovers the death of his boyfriend Paul Coker
Phil Mitchell's unstable son flies into a rage after hearing the devastating news
BEN Mitchell was left absolutely broken on Tuesday night's episode of Eastenders after discovering the death of his boyfriend Paul.
Viewers were initially led to believe that it was Ben who died in last week's episodes but discovered on Monday that it was actually his boyfriend Paul who hadn't made it out alive after a brawl.
After going AWOL for several hours following the fateful night out, Ben reappeared after walking home from Soho after being beaten up alongside his other half.
He explained: "I don't know what time we left the club. We were walking back and suddenly there were four massive blokes.
"We ran and got split up. I lost his jacket, with his phone. He had all of my cash...I must've passed out."
It is then left to Dad Phil to break the news that Paul had died, and his son lashes out at him in a violent rage when he is referred to as Ben's 'friend' rather than his boyfriend.
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He then tries to storm out of the house and is left bashing frantically at the front door before mum Kathy comforts him.
Phil then embraces his son and the family are left to grieve.
Jonny Labey, who announced earlier this year he would be leaving the show, has thanked fans for their support following the shock death.
He wrote on Twitter: ";The love and support is UNBELIEVABLE, thank you for all your messages!
"Love to EVERYONE on @bbceastenders! #everycloud"
Fans were equally as saddened by the loss of the favoured character, and praised Harry Reid for his scenes as devastated Ben.
Unfortunately, because it is Walford after all, this may only be the beginning to a heap of twists for the tragic Mitchell family.
Does Ben have more of a part to play in Paul's death than he initially let on?
How is the devastated character going to cope with the loss of the love of his life?
Guess only time will tell...
Meanwhile, now Jonny has left the show, he is looking to concentrate on pursuing a career as a theatre actor.
He is now due to star in Verge of Strife, a play about war poet Rupert Brooke.
Catch what happens next on Eastenders, this Thursday on BBC1.
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