As many EastEnders viewers will already know, Ben Mitchell and newcomer Paul Coker (Jonny Labey) locked lips in last night’s episode.

However, sadly, the on-screen kiss quickly proved that homophobia is still alive and well in the UK - despite the fact we’re living in the 21st century.

One viewer wrote angrily: “I’m no prude, nor anti-gay, but I think EastEnders was a bit out of order with the kiss scene, especially considering the broadcast time.”

Another added: “EastEnders, please stop showing these disgusting scenes.

“I’m a long term viewer, but scenes like this will put off your audience.”

However Harry Reid has since taken to Instagram to tackle the negative comments head on.

Sharing a photograph of notorious gangster Ronnie Kray, who was openly gay, he wrote: "It's upsetting to read the negative tweets about the gay kiss in last night's episode of @bbceastenders.

"I only want to ask one question. Would you of called Ronnie Kray disgusting? #whatwouldronniesay"

Harry Reid previously explained to Digital Spy of his character’s sexuality earlier this year: “I think he’d quite like a secret gay life in which he can sleep with men, but on the outside, he is this straight guy who is with his girl.

“It’s a ‘better image’ for the Mitchells – that’s all it is.

“If he was a Beale, it probably wouldn’t be a problem, but because it is the Mitchell family, Ben thinks he needs that image of him with a woman by his side – whereas in the background he can do what he wants.”

He added: “It is a very difficult subject as these sorts of things are sensitive, so it would be nice for people to see that there are people you can talk to.

“I think it’s good that they have incorporated this into the script as it’s something that needs to be covered.”

Are you shocked that people have reacted so badly to Ben Mitchell and Paul Coker’s kiss scene last night?

Let us know via the comments box below.