Fans of EastEnders are in for an emotional ride as it has been confirmed that Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway will be returning to Walford for a short period this autumn. Their return is set to be filled with heartache, as it revolves around a tragic funeral.

Ben and Stuart’s Return

The return of Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and Stuart Highway (Ricky Champ) was first teased earlier this year, with fans speculating their return after news of a guest stint for Ben and a possible full-time return. The plotline centers around a significant and emotional event: the death of Stuart and Callum’s (Tony Clay) father, Jonno. This tragic event brings the Mitchells and Highways together for a funeral, marking an emotional reunion for the characters.

Emotional Reunion and Family Drama

As viewers know, Ben is currently imprisoned in America, and his return to Walford comes as he’s granted day release to attend the funeral. However, the reunion is not as joyous as one would hope. Ben has been separated from his husband, Callum, and has been in the dark about the recent turmoil in their relationship. While Callum has stayed loyal to Ben up until now, things have taken a dramatic turn with Callum recently cheating on Ben with Johnny Carter (Charlie Wernham). This affair complicates the already strained relationship between the characters, and Ben’s return will not only be filled with sadness for the loss of Jonno but also confusion and tension over his fractured marriage.

Stuart’s Mysterious Return

Stuart Highway, who has been absent from the Square since 2022 when he left with Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks), is also making his return. While Stuart’s departure was final, it remains unclear what has happened to him in the time he’s been away. His return adds more mystery, especially with the unresolved questions surrounding his relationship with Rainie and his brother Ben. Stuart’s emotional goodbye to Walford, where he urged Ben to work things out with Callum, adds an extra layer of drama to the situation. How will Stuart react when he learns of his brother’s troubled marriage and Callum’s growing feelings for Johnny?

What’s Next for Ben, Callum, and Johnny?

With Ben’s return, there’s bound to be further emotional conflict, especially when Callum’s affair with Johnny is brought to light. Will Ben and Callum’s marriage survive the bombshell, or will Ben’s presence in Walford disrupt the fragile relationship that’s developed between Callum and Johnny?

The Drama Continues

While the characters will only appear in a few episodes, EastEnders has teased that a lot can happen in a short amount of time. With the Highways reuniting under tragic circumstances, fans can expect plenty of family drama, revelations, and heartache as the storyline unfolds.

Stay tuned to EastEnders this autumn for all the latest twists and turns, and the emotional return of Ben and Stuart.