BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Aug 8 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 8 2025 EastEnders fans confused by enormous Ben Mitchell return plot hole Ben's return looms... but how? Ben Mitchell Max Bowden Share By Joel Harley Aug 8 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 8 2025 EastEnders has announced the long-awaited return of Ben Mitchell to the soap, bringing Max Bowden back to Walford for the first time since his 2024 exit. Ben has been serving time in an American prison for credit card fraud, leaving husband Callum and daughter Lexi high and dry in his absence. With Ben’s (brief!) return now official, fans are set to get the Ballum reunion they’ve been hankering for… although it’s been overshadowed by a plot hole the size of a small American state. Ben and Stuart will return for a funeral later this year (Credit: BBC) Why is Ben Mitchell returning to EastEnders? As announced this week, Ben’s back in the country to attend his father-in-law’s funeral. When Jonno Highway dies, both he and Callum’s brother, Stuart Highway, return so that they can attend the funeral. This is a particularly impressive feat on Ben’s part, scoring a day release so that he can attend the event. Both Max and co-star Ricky Champ will be reprising their roles for a few episodes, and aren’t expected to stick around for long. However, fireworks are expected to ensue with Callum’s growing feelings for Johnny Carter. But never mind that… how on Earth did Ben manage to make his way back to England anyway? Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Ben was extradited to the States, where he’s currently behind bars (Credit: BBC) EastEnders fans slam plot hole in Ben Mitchell return To many, the good news had been tainted by a lack of realism – even by EastEnders standards. Namely, why was granted a day release pass to attend the funeral of a non-blood relative he barely even knew? Unless there’s something we’re missing (secret prison transfer, maybe?), it just doesn’t add up. “A day release? From an American prison to the UK or anywhere for that matter? For someone’s funeral who isn’t even blood related? Yeah right. Wouldn’t happen in a month of Sundays,” pointed out one fan on Instagram. “How can you be on day release if ur banged up in America???” said another. “Day release from an American prison to attend the funeral of his husbands estranged father in the UK? Does Ben have a time machine?” a third asked. “Can you leave a country when you’re on day release from prison, and wouldn’t be worth it crossing the Atlantic for one day?” said a fourth. Is Ben’s return stretching logic too far? 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 Aug 8 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 8 2025
