EastEnders confirms passionate Ben and Callum reunion after death of character
For those of you out of the loop, Ballum is, of course, portmanteau – or ship name – for Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and Callum Highway (Tony Clay).
The two have been estranged since early last year, but new photos show them embracing one another at a very sad occasion for the Highway clan.
While the full details of his return plot haven't been revealed, we know that he will be in Walford for the funeral of Jonno, the father of Stuart (Ricky Champ) and Callum.
New pictures taken from the churchyard show Callum having an intense confrontation with his husband, as Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff) stands beside him.
This seems to be just moments after Ben climbs out of a black car in handcuffs.
The two begin to kiss, which seems to evoke jealous in Callum's new bit on the side. Another snap shows them stood side by side, almost turning their backs on one another.
Things clearly get heated between the men, as Callum holds out his hand in frustration and Stuart giving a disapproving look in Johnny's direction.
Ben is completely absent in another photo as Jonno's coffin is lowered into the ground.
Johnny comforts Callum, who looks pained and tearful, with Ben wiping away his own tears.
It's going to be a rollercoaster of emotions!
Max will return alongside Ricky as Ben and Stuart for the story later in the autumn.
Ben will be on day release from prison in America, while Stuart will only visit due to having a life away from Albert Square with Rainie (Tanya Franks).
Jonno, portrayed by Richard Graham, appeared in just four episodes in 2019.
Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) – then engaged to Callum – reached out to him, unaware that he has abused both Callum and Stuart in their childhood.
Making himself out to be a changed man, his true colours soon shone through when he fought with Ben and used homophobic language, and then pinned Callum up against a wall.
Jonno was subsequently thrown out of Walford, and upon his return two months later, was surprised to hear that Callum's wedding to Whit' hadn't gone ahead.
Callum came out as gay, and a disgusted Jonno accused Ben of turning his son 'into one of them'.
Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) dealt a menacing punch, and Jonno threatened to go to the police. The punters in the Queen Vic, including Whitney, all decided to deny seeing Phil attack him.
Ben went to prison because he was arrested for stealing someone's credit card, and making a number of purchases while exploring treatment options for Lola – who had a brain tumour – in the States.
Ben and Callum vowed to make their relationship work while he was behind bars, but absence certainly hasn't made the heart grow fonder. More Trending
Callum and Johnny shared a surprise smooch during the Pride event at The Prine Albert, which effectively ended Johnny's romance with recently departed Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison).
Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?
Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews.
Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!
The guilt didn't stop Callum going back for more, but their secret affair was soon uncovered by Phil, who violently attacked Johnny.
Since then, the pair have cooled things off, with Callum insisting he is committed to waiting for Ben.
View More »
Even though Johnny has headed off on a cruise, he's still sending risqué photos to Callum.
MORE: EastEnders fans are all saying the same thing about Ben Mitchell's return
MORE: Yet another EastEnders star returning to the cast three years after chaotic exit
MORE: All 44 EastEnders pictures for next week as Ross makes shocking discovery
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Vinny fears his secret being exposed in Emmerdale as the police get involved
Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) is potentially very close to having his secret exposed in Emmerdale. Last week, Vinny invited a man called Mike over to his house. He met him through an LGBTQI+ forum, and connected with Mike because they both shared thoughts about their sexuality. Mike and Vinny sat down and chatted, but things took a turn when Mike suggested that Vinny wanted to sleep with him. It was in this moment that Vinny realised the man he had told some very honest information to was someone entirely different. Mike's true colours saw him brutally attack Vinny and take £10,000 from him. In the aftermath, because Vinny was so afraid of telling Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) the truth, he conjured up another plan that justified why he had sustained so many stomach injuries. Outside, Vinny tried to goad his best friend Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) into attacking him. That was never going to happen but because Gabby saw Kammy push Vinny, he was able to frame him for the attack. Gabby has been adamant that Kammy needs reporting to the police, but Vinny hasn't gone this far. Instead, he's quietly retreated into a bit of a shell, heavily impacted by the attack, overwhelmed with thoughts about his sexuality, and consumed with guilt for framing his friend. In this evening's episode, Vinny was surprised to see two police officers approach him while at the scrapyard. They confirmed that Mike's real name is actually Graham, and that he's being investigated for extortion. What will Vinny do next? The police officers wondered why Vinny made a payment of £10,000 to Graham but he didn't say anything. Can he bring himself to tell the police what really happened? He could find the courage to tell them that he was subjected to a homophobic attack from Graham, but whether he relays this to Gabby or not is another thing entirely. Which path will Vinny choose? Vinny has been struggling ever since he tried to kiss Kammy earlier this year. Shortly after it happened, Vinny claimed it was a joke and reminded Kammy that he's currently engaged to Gabby. More Trending In the days that followed, Kammy tried to talk to Vinny about the moment and how it made him feel, but he pushed his mate away. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Vinny made contact with Mike after a conversation with Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), who volunteers for a mental health charity. Paddy spoke about how valuable the charities are, and how they help people feel less alone. Vinny took to the internet and found a forum. He messaged Mike and spoke to him about a variety of things. View More » It was the first time Vinny has genuinely and comfortably discussed that he might not be straight, but bravely doing this has caused a massive fallout, as he opened up to a man who simply did not care what he had to say. MORE: Vinny receives a visit from the police in Emmerdale as he is tormented by guilt MORE: Emmerdale can now thrive with one of its best castings this year MORE: All Emmerdale spoilers for next week as much-loved couple 'reunite'
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders' George Knight's 'death sealed' as disturbing storyline 'begins'
George Knight may have landed himself in trouble on the Square during tonight's EastEnders, as dealer Okie said he could make the boxer 'disappear' if he needed to George Knight was left reeling in tonight's EastEnders, as he tried to find out who had given his younger brother Kojo drugs - but he may have landed himself in big trouble, as Okie made it clear that he wanted him gone. Last night, George found his brother lying on a bench, after Okie had given him a pill to 'calm down'. During tonight's episode, the former Queen Vic landlord enlisted the help of Albert Square police officer Jack, who said he'd have to arrest Kojo. George tried to convince Jack not to take things further, but whether he will do, is still unknown. Although Kojo may be safe, it doesn't look like the same thing can be said for George. The worrying storyline comes after Colin Salmon teased he'd be part of a 'disturbing storyline' during an interview on Good Morning Britain last week. With Kojo not revealing who he got the pill from, George was certain Harry was the culprit, as he marched over to Harry's Barn to confront him. The confrontation turned violent, with the boxer strangling Nicola's son, as he could barely breathe. Nicola and Teddy convinced George to let go of their son, but George wasn't letting things go. "I know you were involved in this somehow," he said. "I can see it on your face. Don't try and deny it. Know that I will find out the truth, yeah?" he said, before storming out of the establishment. A fuming Harry later confronted Okie, scolding him for giving the pills to Kojo, but it was Okie who lost his temper in later scenes - as he asked Harry where George lived. Of course, Harry didn't let slip. "So we're just going to let him mouth off to the public?", Okie exclaimed. "What do you think Ravi's going to do when he finds out the feds are on us again?" "All I'm saying is you don't know him and what he's capable of," Harry responded. "You don't know what I'm capable off!" Okie exclaimed. "So if this Kojo's brother's going to become a problem, we're going to have to make him disappear," he said, as he showed off a gun under his belt. But could this be the end for George? Some fans think so. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one wrote: "They've hinted a potential death or prison exit tonight for George - He's already on a suspended sentence so he wouldn't want to take the risk of attacking Okie in case he ends up in prison or worse case scenario dead." "Depending on how nebulous this Kojo/Harry/George/Ravi story is will Phil get involved later down the line? Julies taking over with Nigel and if something happens to George, Phil could come into it?", questioned another. Another tweet read: "They've hinted tonight that George could end up dead - or seriously hurt but I hope this doesn't happen. Although once the police get hold of Harry it won't be long until the feds close in on Okie and Ravi again. I'm intrigued by Ravi's next move here." Last week, during his GMB interview, George teased: "We've got another storyline you haven't seen before. I did the farming storyline, we have another storyline that is perfect for this time, it's real, it's really disturbing and it's coming. I can't tell you what it is." Could this be the beginning of the end?
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Danny Dyer and Rivals co-star reunite as they land new role ahead of season 2
EastEnders actor Danny Dyer is set to star in a brand new ITV game show alongside a very familiar Rivals co-star Danny Dyer has landed a new ITV game show with one of his Rivals co-stars. The former EastEnders star left fans gobsmacked with his performance in the Disney+ drama, which is set to return for its second series next year. The saucy series, based on Jilly Cooper's novel, charts the rivalry between David Tennant's Rupert Campbell-Black and Aidan Turner's Tony Baddingham at a telly station in the Cotswolds. In the role of endearing tech whizz Freddie Jones, who contemplates having an affair with Katherine Parkinson's Lizzie Vereker, Danny bagged the Best Supporting Actor gong at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards earlier this year. The star-studded cast also includes Alex Hassell from His Dark Materials, Victoria Smurfit from Once Upon A Time, Bella Maclean from Sex Education, and Luke Pasqualino from Skins, reports the Manchester Evening News. One face that fans were thrilled to see in the series was Emily Atack, who shot to fame on The Inbetweeners, playing aspiring presenter Sarah Stratton. Following her stint on the Channel 4 sitcom, the former I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here runner-up had primarily focused on theatre and panel shows. However, it was recently confirmed that Danny and Emily are poised to host a new game show titled Nobody's Fool. The strategic reality quiz, set to broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX in 2026, is billed as 'a unique reality event brimming with drama and deception where the fate of the contestants isn't decided by how smart they are, but how smart their fellow contestants reckon they are'. Ten contestants from across the UK will be selected to stay in a unique and mischievous Smart House, where they compete in challenges to convince others that they are more intelligent than they may actually be. To add to the group prize pot, the contestants will take part in daily individual quizzes. However, only the contestants themselves will know how well they have done, and they will decide what information to share with their competitors. An ITV spokesperson said: "Across the series, the players must determine who is the weakest amongst them and eliminate them. As each of the contestants sets out to prove their worth and value to the rest of the group, can the players suss out who is a genuine asset and who is simply faking in a bid to stay in the game?" "The show aims to exploit preconceived notions about intelligence, playing on stereotypes and snap judgments to create a cast of characters who will keep viewers guessing." Speaking of the series, Danny noted: "This is a blinder of a game show and unlike anything I've seen before. Emily and I had a brilliant time making it, and much like the audience at home will be, we were kept guessing right until the very end." Emily added "It's so exciting to be part of something this new and fresh. The chance to work with Danny again was a no brainer for me. We had such a laugh. Can't wait for everyone to watch, it's an absolute must see." Sue Murphy, ITV's Director of Factual Entertainment, and Kate Teckman, Head of Development and Commissioning Editor at ITV, labelled Nobody's Fool as an 'innovative reality/quiz crossover show'. "Danny and Emily are the perfect pairing to host this game of surprise and prejudice, that will no doubt have audiences on the edge of their seats," they hinted. The brand new series will air on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player next year (2026).
