Max Bowden has been learning sign language during lockdown.
The ‘EastEnders’ actor’s character Ben Mitchell has been partially deaf in one ear since he was a child, but he suffered from further hearing damage after a boat crash on the River Thames recently, and he will start to communicate with newcomer Frankie – played by Rose Ayling-Ellis – via sign language in upcoming scenes.
Asked if he had been learning the form of communication, he replied: "Yeah. At the minute, Ben’s very against it, because he doesn’t want to seem weak.
"But I think it’s important for me to truly understand the deaf community properly, to learn it and do my bit.
"Rose sent me a little course when we first went into lockdown, which was a free online thing, and I’ve been doing that.
"It’s an ever-growing skill that I’m having to work towards."
Max has been working with the National Children’s Deaf Society to research the storyline, and admitted he has received positive feedback from the deaf community.
He added to Inside Soap magazine: "I’ve had so many beautiful comments from people in the deaf community, especially when the storyline first started.
"People reaching out and saying they’ve never felt that they’ve been represented on television in this way before – that’s really special, because for me, that’s why we do it."
‘EastEnders’ are to air a special episode focused on Ben and his hearing loss next week.
The upcoming ep – which will be set entirely from the perspective of Max’s alter-ego – will see the character try to come to terms with the deterioration of his hearing.
Viewers will experience limited audio levels along with on-screen subtitles displaying words and fractured sentences to reflect the difficulties Ben is facing.
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."