EastEnders fans are in for a shock as two major characters, Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ), are making a temporary return to Walford later this year. The pair, who have been away for some time, will return for the funeral of Jonno, the father of Stuart and Callum Highway (Tony Clay). This long-awaited comeback promises to be anything but peaceful. 

Ben has been serving time in the USA for fraud, but he’s been granted day release for the funeral. Meanwhile, Stuart, who has built a new life with Rainie (Tanya Franks) outside Albert Square, will visit Walford briefly for this somber occasion. However, these returns are far from straightforward, especially given the complex relationships and unresolved tensions between the characters.

The family drama kicks off as Callum and Johnny Carter (Charlie Clements) face the consequences of their secret affair. With Ben still behind bars, Callum has been trying to commit to his relationship with him, but his feelings for Johnny are undeniable. Johnny and Callum shared a kiss during a recent Pride event, igniting a passionate but illicit relationship that has caused turmoil, especially after Ben’s father, Phil (Steve McFadden), discovered their secret and violently confronted Johnny.

When Ben finds out about the affair, will their relationship survive? Or will this be the end of their love story? This complicated love triangle is set to explode as Ben returns, possibly bringing a new level of intensity to the already strained relationships.

As for Stuart, he’s trying to rebuild his life after a tumultuous past filled with violence and trauma. Stuart’s return marks a significant moment for him, as he left Walford in 2022 to start fresh with Rainie. His return to the funeral will surely stir up old memories, especially with his family dynamic. His past actions, including his violent outbursts and his tumultuous relationship with Callum, still hang over him.

The return of Jonno, Stuart and Callum’s father, will also bring a dark twist to the storyline. Jonno was first introduced in 2019, and since then, his relationship with his sons has been strained. Jonno’s homophobic tendencies and violent behavior led to him disowning Callum after the young man came out as gay. Now, with the family gathered for a funeral, will old wounds resurface? Or will the return of these estranged family members force them to confront their pasts in ways they never expected?

Ben and Stuart’s return is bound to shake things up, with Callum caught in the middle of the turmoil. As the family deals with Jonno’s death, deep-seated resentments and unresolved issues will surface, making for a tense and dramatic few episodes ahead.

As the family gathers in Walford, the question remains: Will Ben and Stuart’s return bring healing, or will it lead to even more heartbreak and betrayal? Fans are eagerly waiting to see how these long-running characters will navigate their troubled pasts and complicated relationships.

EastEnders airs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 pm on BBC One. With so many secrets and unresolved tensions, you won’t want to miss the explosive drama ahead.

Can Ben and Stuart survive the family chaos, or will this return be their breaking point?

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