EastEnders spoilers confirm Ben Mitchell return date as Callum’s affair exposed
EastEnders spoilers have revealed when Ben Mitchell will return to Walford as an ‘incident’ at school involving Joel Marshall sparks a ‘debate’ across the Square
Max Bowden is returning as Ben Mitchell in EastEnders(Image: BBC)
The latest EastEnders spoilers have confirmed that Ben Mitchell will be making a return to Walford following an “incident” at school involving Joel Marshall, sparking a “debate” across the community. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Max Bowden would be reprising his role in the BBC soap for the first time since March of 2024.
Since Ben’s incarceration for fraud, his husband Callum Highway has been embroiled in a passionate affair with Johnny Carter. Their love was confessed after Johnny supported Callum following the sudden death of his father, Jonno Highway.
Jonno’s funeral is set to take place on Monday, October 6, with Kathy Beale rallying the Mitchell family to stand by Callum. To avoid arousing suspicion, Callum asks Johnny to steer clear of the funeral, but their secret kiss is witnessed by Kathy.
Ben will be joined by Stuart Highway for Jonno’s funeral
Back at her café, Kathy shares the news of Callum’s infidelity with the Mitchells, who are heartbroken by his betrayal.
A confrontation ensues between Phil, Kathy, Billy, Honey, Ian Beale and Harvey Monroe and Callum, who retaliates with some harsh truths before seeking out Johnny to affirm his commitment to their relationship and his desire for Johnny to attend the funeral.
Stuart Highway, played by Ricky Champ, makes a comeback to the show, encouraged by Johnny, as Kathy and the rest of the Mitchells agree to withhold the truth from Ben on the condition that Callum confesses to Ben and Lexi himself after the funeral. However, Callum is taken aback when Ben unexpectedly shows up at the funeral, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Meanwhile, lovebirds Harry Mitchell and Gina Knight return from their romantic getaway, only for Harry’s joy to be cut short when Kojo Asare collapses in The Arches, revealing he’s still under the thumb of Ravi Gulati and Okie. Harry tries to confront Ravi, but is brushed off, leading him to seek help from his father, Teddy Mitchell.
Priya Nandra-Hart and Ravi Gultati grudgingly move back into No41 with their children Avani and Nugget after selling their house, while Suki Panesar-Unwin strives to mend fences with her family.
Avani nudges Suki to reconnect with her wife Eve Unwin-Panesar, and they agree to meet for a drink.
Callum has been having an affair behind Ben’s back(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
On Tuesday, October 7, Callum is taken aback as Ben stands by him at the graveside, while Johnny and Stuart strive to keep a secret hidden. Back in Walford, Phil and Kathy are overjoyed to see Ben, who reveals that he was moved to a UK prison after turning informant on his cellmate and was granted release for the funeral
However, their attention is diverted by Callum’s infidelity. At The Vic, Johnny tries to persuade Callum to keep quiet about their relationship, but Callum insists he must confess to his husband.
George Knight rushes home to check on his brother Kojo after learning of his collapse from Phil, but George’s excessive worry leads to Kojo pushing him away once more. Things get off to a shaky start when Eve and Suki meet for a drink at The Albert, before Eve discloses her desire to adopt a baby with Suki.
Teddy persuades Harry not to surrender himself to the police, vowing to handle the situation with Ravi. However, the gangster dismisses him from his business.
Later, Teddy instructs Harry to take Kojo and Gina out for dinner. He tries to trap Ravi by visiting Kojo’s flat, but when Ravi and Okie show up, Teddy is compelled to hide in the bathroom.
On Wednesday, October 8, Kathy and Julie Bates urge Phil to see Ben before heading to the airport. Meanwhile, Priya is taken aback when she catches Suki researching adoption, quickly realising that Suki is contemplating adopting with Eve.
The family swiftly express their disapproval of Suki as a mother and discourage her from the idea.
Harry keeps dodging George’s inquiries as they both become increasingly worried about Kojo. Gina and Anna Knight tell George to stop fussing over Kojo, but Harry turns pale upon discovering that Okie has arranged a car show for Kojo outside Walford, suspecting it’s a scheme for another job.
Vicki Fowler and Joel Marshall have a row after he expresses sexist views again, while his father Ross attempts to manage the situation. A defiant Joel retorts and departs, leaving Vicki and Ross unsure of how to control his behaviour.
In a significant episode on Thursday, October 9, an incident at school instigated by Joel and Tommy Moon sparks a debate in Walford. Parents and teenagers discuss the consequences of the event and the effects of harmful online content.
Challenging discussions ensue among friends, and between parents and their offspring, as age and gender greatly influence their varying interpretations of the event. Kat, Alfie, Ross and Vicki try to challenge Joel and Tommy’s sexist attitudes, but the situation at No43 spirals out of control when Joel resorts to violence and strikes Vicki.