Ben's back! But will Callum confess all and end their marriage?
Callum wasn't expecting that
Ben Mitchell returned to Walford in EastEnders tonight (Monday, October 6), as husband Callum Highway prepared to say goodbye to his father. Events became derailed as Kathy and the Mitchells discovered his ongoing affair with Johnny Carter – and forced them to come clean.
Backed into a corner, Callum agreed to confess all to Ben and Lexi once the funeral had passed. But what no-one had counted on was the return of Ben, who arrived in town just in time for Jonno’s funeral.
Here’s everything that happened in EastEnders tonight.
Callum and Johnny went public in EastEnders tonight
As Ben returned, it was the day of ‘orrible Jonno Highway’s funeral. And it was all hands on deck for the Mitchells, in spite of Callum’s recent (and unbeknownst to them, still ongoing) betrayal of Ben.
Not that they were doing a very good job of hiding their relationship – and Kathy soon spotted them making out in the middle of The Vic.
Kathy was furious (she’d made sausage rolls!) and ranted and raved to Harvey and Ian afterwards. She stormed over to confront Callum, giving him a hefty slap for his trouble. Still, he was unapologetic, highlighting how Kathy had also torn a family apart with her affair with Harvey.
Ben Mitchell returned in EastEnders tonight
Callum’s public row with Kathy was interrupted by the sudden return of his brother, Stuart Highway. Cutting short their reunion, Callum headed over to the café, where he attempted to justify himself to the Mitchells and the Beales… including Phil, who had also learned that the affair was back on.
With the secret now out, Callum dragged Johnny off to join him at the funeral. After talking things out with Harvey, Kathy was in a more understanding mood. As the family looked on (including dead Jonno, from his hearse), Callum promised to come clean to both Ben and Lexi, ending things with his husband properly.
At the cemetery, Callum and Jonno bid farewell to their dad, although talk was still all about Callum and Johnny. And, as they looked to the future, both were shocked to see none other than Ben Mitchell emerge from the back of a car, in handcuffs.
Johnny’s having second thoughts
As the story continues tomorrow, Callum is shocked to see Ben again. Meanwhile, Johnny and Stuart attempt to keep the truth hidden.
Back home, Phil and Katy are thrilled to have Ben back. He explains that he was transferred to a UK prison after informing on his cellmate, and granted day release for the funeral. Great news – but thoughts of Callum’s betrayal casts a dark shadow.
Meanwhile, at The Vic, Johnny tries to convince Callum to keep quiet about their relationship. However, Callum remains determined to tell Ben. Will he come clean and break Ben’s heart?
Why there's no Stranger Things season 5 episode 9 after 'The Rightside Up'
Yes, the finale left some frustrating plot holes, and if you're among the fans who wanted Mike and Will to get together, you probably aren't happy right now.
However, whether it was the 'Purple Rain' needle drop or the tear-jerking epilogue, it ended one of Netflix's best shows on a high note.
There is more to come from the Stranger Things universe (more on that shortly), but does that include season 5 episode 9?
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Stranger Things is over... for now (Credit: Netflix)[/caption]
Is there going to be a Stranger Things season 5 episode 9?
No, Stranger Things season 5 episode 9 isn't happening... because it doesn't exist.
The show officially ended with episode 8, 'The Rightside Up'. If you're hoping to log onto Netflix next week or some time in the future and find another episode, you're out of luck.
The Duffer Brothers, the show's creators, have been frank about why they wanted to bring the series to a close.
Speaking to EW, Matt Duffer explained: "I want it to have a really finite ending.
"I don’t want it to be one of those shows that runs out of gas and they lose it because they’re losing interest. You wanna end when you’re on top."
In another interview with Variety, Matt added: "We do every last remaining thing we wanted to do with the Demogorgons and Mind Flayer and Vecna and the Upside Down and Hawkins and these characters. This is a complete story. It’s done."
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The rock from the cave is the key to the Stranger Things spin-off (Credit: Netflix)[/caption]
Stranger Things spin-off will address season 5 scene
Two spin-offs are in the works. Tales from '85, an animated series set between seasons 2 and 3, will premiere on Netflix sometime in 2026.
An untitled, secretive live-action series is also being developed by the Duffers. It's definitely not called Montauk, nor will it star anyone from the flagship show. However, it will expand the franchise's lore; more specifically, the rock Henry found in the cave.
In season 5, we saw a young Henry kill a scientist, open his briefcase, and hold a rock that gave him his powers. It appeared to have originated in the Abyss, but that's all we know.
"I do want to explain, just because people’s expectations go in certain directions: The spinoff is going to delve into that and explain that, and you’re going to understand it," Matt teased.
"But it’s a completely different mythology. So it’s not a deep exploration of the Mind Flayer or anything like that. It’s very fresh and very new, but yes, it will answer some of the loose threads that are remaining."
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