More than sixty viewers complained to the BBC last week about the upsetting scenes of Ben Mitchell being kicked to the ground and beat up by some school bullies.

However, Eastender bosses have been quick to reassure viewers that they are working closely with the NSPCC on the controversial storyline.

Spokeswoman Lucy Plosker said: “We know viewers could consider this storyline disturbing but we aim to reflect the reality of bullying.”