BBC EastEnders Icons Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway Return as Fans Demand Permanent Comeback
Callum’s Affair Exposed as Ben and Stuart Make Shock Returns
EastEnders fans were left stunned on Monday (October 6) as two of Walford’s most beloved — and controversial — characters, Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ), made dramatic returns in a bombshell episode that has set social media alight.
The explosive instalment saw Callum Highway (Tony Clay) at the centre of scandal once again, as his secret affair with Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) was finally exposed — moments before his estranged husband Ben made an unexpected reappearance.
Ben’s Return Rocks the Square
The episode opened with Ben in a prison cell, surrounded by photos of Callum and their daughter Lexi, revealing the depth of his longing for home. Serving time for credit card fraud in America, Ben’s determination to return to Walford was clear — and fans didn’t have long to wait.
Back in the Square, Callum tried to find solace in Johnny as he prepared to bury his estranged father, Jonno. But their private affair became very public when they shared a kiss in The Queen Vic — right under the horrified gaze of Ben’s mother, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).
When confronted by the Mitchells, Callum attempted to defend himself, insisting Ben’s imprisonment had left him lonely and emotionally adrift. But before the dust could settle, a familiar face arrived to complicate things even further.
Stuart Highway Returns to Support His Brother
Arriving in a black cab, Stuart Highway made his long-awaited comeback, offering his brother support amid the chaos. True to form, Stuart didn’t hold back his trademark humour, teasing Callum about his messy love life while still standing firmly in his corner.
The brothers then headed to Jonno’s funeral — only for the service to be interrupted by Ben himself. Pulling up in a car on day release from prison, Ben stepped out with a smirk and quipped that he “wouldn’t miss a good funeral,” leaving Callum visibly floored.
Fans Beg the BBC to Bring Them Back Permanently
While both returns are only temporary, viewers have made their feelings clear. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote:
“SO GLAD MAX IS BACK EVEN IF IT IS JUST FOR A SHORT STINT. One of EastEnders’ best actors by far — bring him back permanently!”
Another pleaded: “Please let Stuart stay. Love him!”
A third echoed the sentiment, posting: “Get Ben back full-time — EastEnders isn’t the same without him.”