He was bald, and disguised this in public by wearing a blonde toupée. He was described as having an athletic appearance at the time of the murders due to regularly going to the gym. Port also briefly appeared on an episode of the television show MasterChef. He lived with his parents until his early thirties, then lived alone in a flat in Barking, London, and worked as a chef at a Stagecoach bus depot in West Ham. A former romantic partner of Port's described his personality as childish and gave that as the reason for ending their relationship. After leaving school, aged 16, he went to art college, but it proved too expensive for his parents and he spent two years training as a chef instead. His neighbour described him as having a peculiar, childlike personality, exhibiting odd behaviour as a grown man, such as playing with children's toys. Former teachers also described Port's personality as "quiet". He was described as being a "loner" and was often bullied at school during his childhood. When he was a year old, his family moved to Dagenham in East London, where he grew up and where his parents still live. 5 Questions about the police investigation.Max and Tony are extremely capable actors as is Aidan and, while Ben is perhaps far too dogged in constant misery porn, it will hopefully have a similar impact that David Platt’s rape story in Coronation Street had – with calls to charities increasing by over 1000% after its showing. It isn’t the story that bothers me – I think it will be powerful and expect it to be well done. The story last year of Mick Carter’s (Danny Dyer) historic abuse by gaslighting Katy Lewis (Simone Lahbib) was one of their strongest storylines of that year.
I have no doubt whatsoever that Ben’s rape story will be a powerful one and know for a fact that the team at the show from writing and production to the cast themselves have conducted a huge depth of research.ĮastEnders is known for tackling hard hitting issues – the male post partum depression story involving Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) has just been announced. To those who relate to the more difficult sides of the journey, he is representative of hope and the message that one isn’t defined by their sexuality but can be a fun loving character without any shackles.Ī true power couple to fans – but characters without such devastating journeys to get to where they are would be helpful for balance (Picture: BBC) Since then, he has befriended Ben too, even offering him an alibi, and those watching were relieved to be represented by a character, who has managed to come through struggles and defy the tropes that all gay characters are central to drama relating solely to their sexuality. Step forward Lewis (Aidan O’Callaghan), an instantly likeable and amiable character, whose first appearances included him involving Callum in an LGBTQ+ campaign of positivity and awareness. And it is vital to show this LGBTQ+ people always feel that vulnerability that comes with the threat of such bigoted attacks. That LGBTQ+ people can be happy, funny, comfortable in their identity and confident.Ĭallum Highway’s (Tony Clay) attack at the hands of homophobic abusers and Ben Mitchell’s (Max Bowden) understandable reaction to this is at the forefront of the show and has been since new year.
Was it too much to ask that Ben’s friend could actually just be – a friend? (Picture: BBC)