BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025 First look as Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway return for family funeral... but who's dead? The boys are back in town Ben Mitchell Stuart Highway Share By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025 EastEnders has released its first look at the return of Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway as both characters return to the soap for a brief stint. It was recently revealed that both Max Bowden and Ricky Champ would be reprising their roles as Ben and Stuart in brief returns later this year. But what brings Ben and Stuart back to Walford? And for how long will they be sticking around? The soap has shared two new promotional pictures of the characters upon their return, as well as a tease of what’s to come when they do make their eagerly-awaited comeback. Ben and Stuart are back for the funeral of Jonno Highway (Credit: BBC) First look as Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway return to EastEnders Two new images of the cast show Stuart and Ben join Callum and Johnny as they attend a funeral, suited, booted and – in Ben’s case – handcuffed. The men are all in attendance at Jonno Highway’s funeral. Jonno, for the uninitiated, is the father of brothers Callum and Stuart. He last appeared on the soap in 2019, after disowning Callum upon learning that he is gay. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers With Stuart returning for his father’s funeral, Ben presumably joins the procession in support of husband Callum. An accompanying press release indicates that Ben is on day release from prison in the USA, meaning that his time back in the UK will be fleeting. Stuart, meanwhile, was last seen leaving Albert Square Rainie with wife Rainie and son Roland. Was Stuart’s happy ending everything it was cracked up to be? And what drama awaits in his reunion with brother Callum? Will Ben learn what Callum’s been up to? (Credit: BBC) Fireworks ensue as Ben returns amid Callum and Johnny affair? Ben’s sudden return comes as a surprise to Callum, who hasn’t exactly been loyal to his husband since Ben’s imprisonment. Over recent weeks, Callum has been sleeping with Johnny behind Ben’s back, resulting in a massive family blow-out when Phil found out. Jay and Callum managed to convince Phil not to tell Ben or Lexi about the affair, but how will his shocking return impact Phil’s decision? And with Callum continuing to flirt with Johnny while he’s away on holiday, it seems as though the affair will isn’t quite yet over, either. Is Ben going to learn about his husband’s betrayal? 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 7 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 7 2025
