EastEnders: Callum and Johnny Get Caught Out — and Ben’s Return Changes Everything
A Love Triangle Turns Explosive
EastEnders is set to deliver one of its most emotional and chaotic weeks yet as Callum Highway (Tony Clay) and Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) face the fallout of their secret romance — just as Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) makes a shock return to Walford.
For months, Callum has been trying to rebuild his life following Ben’s imprisonment. But when his husband suddenly turns up for his father Jonno’s funeral, everything Callum thought he wanted is thrown into question.
“Ben’s Arrival Derails His Whole Plan”
Speaking about the upcoming storyline, Tony Clay admitted that Callum is “in a state of total shock.”
“He’s made a decision about his life and what he’s going to do in terms of his relationship with Johnny,” Clay explained. “And then boom — Ben’s arrival derails his whole plan. It massively messes with his head, and in classic Walford fashion, nothing is simple.”
The surprise reunion also marks the first time Clay and Bowden have shared the screen in a year, and their scenes promise to be some of the most charged in recent memory. “It was exciting to have such a big, emotional moment and explore where Ben and Callum are now,” Clay added.
Kathy’s Discovery Sparks a Family Showdown
Before Ben’s return, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) spots Callum and Johnny sharing a kiss — and wastes no time telling the Mitchells. The news leaves Callum cornered, but he isn’t about to let them shame him without speaking his mind.
“He thinks they shouldn’t be coming after him about Johnny when none of them are perfect,” Clay revealed. “There are good reasons why Callum has gone off and had an affair. He’s trying to take control of his life after everything that’s happened.”
Still, the confrontation hits hard. While saddened by the family’s reaction, Callum finds comfort in Johnny’s unwavering support — and asks him to stand by his side at Jonno’s funeral.
“He Wants Some Peace”
Clay explained that Callum’s loyalty toward Johnny stems from the stability he’s found with him — a sharp contrast to his turbulent marriage with Ben.
“He’s been left to raise Lexi and do everything alone for a long time because Ben got himself sent to prison,” Clay said. “Johnny’s been there, checking in, making sure he’s alright. Callum’s started to think that’s how a relationship should be — not the chaos that surrounds Ben.”
Still, his love for Ben runs deep, and seeing him again brings a flood of memories and confusion. “He’ll always love Ben,” Clay admitted. “But right now, he just wants some peace.”
Grief and Conflict Collide
On top of his romantic turmoil, Callum is grieving the death of his father Jonno, a man with whom he shared a deeply strained history. “There was a lot about Jonno that was really bad — his views, the way he treated his family,” Clay said. “Callum is grieving what might have been, rather than the man Jonno was.”
The emotional week also features the long-awaited return of Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ), who comes back to support his brother in his time of need. “They’ve got a really special bond,” Clay noted. “When he sees Stuart, he feels like he’s not on his own anymore.”
What Happens Next?
With Ben’s return throwing Callum’s life into chaos and Johnny caught in the crossfire, the coming days in Walford promise heartbreak, confrontation, and tough choices. Will Callum follow his heart — or his conscience?
One thing’s certain: this tangled love story is about to explode.