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EastEnders’ Ben Mitchell star breaks silence on character’s ‘surprise’ return

AnyFans 2025-09-19

By Danni King

EastEnders' Ben Mitchell star breaks silence on character's 'surprise' return

Several major characters, including Zoe Slater and Anthony Trueman, have made their way back to EastEnders recently, with even more comebacks planned for the upcoming months.

Amongst those making a return is Ben Mitchell, portrayed by Max Bowden, who’ll be making a short appearance on Albert Square following the passing of Jonno Highway (Richard Graham), Callum and Stuart’s father.

Ben has been imprisoned in America for credit card fraud since last year, but he’ll soon be travelling to Walford for Jonno’s funeral, which will finally see him reunited with his husband Callum and daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown).

Max has spoken candidly about his return to the BBC soap, confessing he was caught off guard by “surprise” when EastEnders bosses contacted him.

“It was a surprise to me. It’s a little, brief, fleeting visit, which was lovely to do,” Max revealed to Inside Soap’s Soap Scoop podcast.

Max, who is presently touring with the dark comedy production Murder at Midnight, continued by describing his comeback as “interesting,” though it was “really lovely” to revisit his character Ben after more than a year’s absence.

The actor, who initially played Ben in 2019 when the character was recast, then shared his views on Ben’s husband, Callum, being disloyal while he’s been imprisoned, reports Plymouth Live.

Callum has become closer to Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) throughout Ben’s incarceration, with the duo developing romantic feelings for each other – much to the dismay of those surrounding them.

“I think you have to separate the character from the actor. The actor sees the reasons that Callum feels so torn and that place of isolation, loneliness, and responsibility,” Max admitted. “I think it makes sense that Callum has made the decision.”

He hinted that Callum and Ben’s scenes are “well written” and confessed Ben doesn’t “immediately” grasp his husband’s actions.

Ben isn’t the only character returning for Jonno’s funeral; Callum’s brother Stuart (Ricky Champ) will also make a brief comeback to Walford for the occasion.

Stuart departed EE with wife Rainie (Tanya Franks) and their son Roland in 2022. The family departed to begin a fresh chapter away from the chaos of Albert Square.

EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm. Episodes are also released on iPlayer daily at 6am.