BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Oct 6 2025 By Joel Harley Oct 6 2025 Stuart Highway on EastEnders: feud with Mick Carter, romance with Rainie Cross, and breast cancer survivor Revisiting Stuart Highway's time on the Square Stuart Highway Share By Joel Harley Oct 6 2025 By Joel Harley Oct 6 2025 Stuart Highway returns to Walford in EastEnders tonight (Monday, October 6), as he and brother Callum prepare to say goodbye to their dad, Jonno. Talked into returning to Walford by Johnny Carter, Stuart is shocked to discover what’s been going on in his absence. And, as news of Callum’s affair with Johnny becomes public knowledge, Stuart’s return is soon overshadowed. But who is Stuart Highway anyway? Here’s all you need to know about Callum’s brother! Stuart returns to EastEnders tonight (Credit: BBC) Who is EastEnders’ Stuart Highway? Stuart Highway is the brother of Callum Highway and other son of Jonno Highway. Although he became a firm fan favourite over time, Stuart wasn’t always so lovable – in fact, when he first arrived in Walford, Stuart was downright horrible. Like father, like son, or so they say. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Stuart first arrived in 2018 (Credit: BBC/YouTube) When was Stuart Highway on EastEnders? Stuart first arrived in Walford in 2018, reuniting with brother Callum and their friends in the Carter family. Mick soon demonstrated a mean and violent streak, which he channeled into his side hustle as a padeophile hunter. Stuart’s proclivities eventually got him in trouble when he attacked a man named Fred Lewis, who he mistakenly accused of being a paedophile. Stuart would later admit to Callum that he had begun paedophile hunting after being sexually abused as a child. The Carters and Highways haven’t always been so friendly (Credit: BBC/YouTube) Feud with Mick Carter Soon after, Stuart reunited with childhood friend Tina Carter, and spent a night out together to celebrate their reconnection. During this time, Tina suffered a flashback to a traumatic childhood incident – and mistakenly came to the conclusion that Stuart had been responsible. This led to a feud between Stuart and the Carters, during which Tina attacked him with a wrench and he was later shot. However, Stuart had actually shot himself – a crime for which he framed Mick. Mick eventually managed to clear his name (and survive prison, even though Stuart had falsely branded him a paedophile!), although Stuart’s treatment of Mick and the Carters would continue to haunt him for the rest of his time on the Square. Rainie supported Stuart through his breast cancer diagnosis… when she let him in (Credit: BBC/YouTube) Reformed ways, romance with Rainie Cross and breast cancer diagnosis In the months which followed, Stuart attempted to mend his ways, even supporting Bex Fowler during her struggles with her mental health and subsequent suicide attempt. Stuart later managed to overcome the intense homophobia that dad Jonno had instilled in him, enough so that he was able to support Callum during his relationship with Ben Mitchell. At this time, he entered a romance with Rainie Cross, helping her to overcome her severe drug addiction. They had split by 2021, as Stuart attempted to keep his recent breast cancer diagnosis a secret. Stuart married Rainie in 2020, and they share one child together, in son Roland (born via Bernie Taylor, who served as their surrogate). When did Stuart leave EastEnders? Stuart left Walford in 2022, pursuing a fresh start with Rainie and Roland away from the Square… riding off together in a stolen hearse, in true Stuart and Rainie style. It was announced earlier this year that Stuart would be returning for a ‘short stint’ involving dad Jonno’s funeral. It’s unlikely he’ll be sticking around much longer than that. But, while he’s here, we may well learn what’s become of Rainie, Roland and Abi Jr. over the intervening years. Stuart is played by actor Ricky Champ (Credit: BBC) Who plays Stuart Highway in EastEnders? Stuart is played by actor Ricky Champ. Outside of EastEnders, Ricky has enjoyed a lively career in television and film. After appearing in episodes of Family Affairs, The Bill and Doc Martin, Ricky rose to fame as fan favourite Stuart. His film career includes appearances in Paddington 2, A Working Man, and Grandpa’s Great Escape. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Oct 6 2025 By Joel Harley Oct 6 2025
