Drama, secrets, and unexpected returns took center stage in the October 6, 2025 episode of EastEnders, as Ben Mitchell made a sensational comeback that left viewers—and his husband Callum Highway—reeling. The episode, released on BBC iPlayer ahead of its television broadcast, delivered a whirlwind of emotional confrontations, family reckonings, and the kind of jaw-dropping twists that have cemented the soap’s place in British popular culture.
For fans who’ve followed the tumultuous relationship between Ben and Callum, the latest developments were nothing short of explosive. According to Radio Times and BBC coverage, Ben Mitchell, last seen serving a sentence in an American prison, was shown back in the UK, albeit still behind bars. His reappearance wasn’t just a narrative device—it was a shock to every character in Walford who thought he was thousands of miles away and to viewers who hadn’t seen Ben on screen since 2024. When a prison officer opened his cell, Ben was revealed sporting a chain with a cross charm, surrounded by photos of himself with Callum and their daughter Lexi Pearce. The scene set the stage for what would become a day of reckonings for the Mitchell and Highway families.
Meanwhile, in Walford, Callum was preparing for the funeral of his estranged father, Jonno. The day was already fraught with emotion, but Callum’s personal life was about to make things even more complicated. Despite his burgeoning romance with Johnny Carter, Callum initially asked Johnny not to attend the funeral, hoping to avoid any further tensions with his in-laws. But as Radio Times reported, that plan quickly unraveled. The pair’s secret relationship was exposed when Kathy Beale, Ben’s fiercely protective mother, caught them sharing a kiss in The Queen Vic pub.
Kathy’s reaction was swift and severe. Marching over to confront Callum, she delivered a slap in the middle of the Square—a moment that underscored both her loyalty to Ben and the deep fractures within the family. “You betrayed my son,” she reportedly told Callum, making her anger and sense of betrayal crystal clear. Callum, however, was not cowed. He defended his relationship with Johnny, accusing Kathy and the rest of the Mitchells of hypocrisy given their own complicated romantic histories. “Why am I expected to wait for Ben forever?” Callum challenged, referencing Ben’s attempt to set him free from their marriage the previous year. The confrontation was raw, honest, and emblematic of the show’s knack for turning personal drama into must-watch television.
As tensions simmered, Callum’s brother Stuart Highway made his own return to Walford, having been persuaded to attend the funeral by Johnny. Stuart’s arrival brought both comic relief and brotherly support. When Callum confessed his infidelity, Stuart wasted no time in teasing him about the future of his new romance, but also stood by his side as the day’s events unfolded.
With emotions running high, Callum made a pivotal decision: he wanted Johnny at the funeral and was ready to pursue a serious relationship with him, regardless of the fallout. After a heartfelt conversation with Kathy—who, despite her anger, ultimately recognized the seriousness of Callum’s feelings—she agreed to keep the relationship secret. But there was a catch: Callum had to promise to tell Ben and Lexi the truth after the funeral. Kathy’s conditional acceptance reflected both her evolving understanding and her continued loyalty to her son.
The funeral itself, held at Jonno’s graveside, was a somber affair punctuated by the presence of Callum, Johnny, and Stuart. The trio stood together, united by grief but also by the weight of the secrets they carried. Callum, determined to do the right thing, even agreed to fly to America to break the news to Ben in person—an act of honesty that, in another world, might have offered some closure.
But EastEnders is never one for easy resolutions. Just as the mourners gathered at the church, a car pulled up. Out stepped Ben, handcuffed but smiling, his arrival as unexpected as it was dramatic. He quipped, “think I’d miss a good funeral?”—a line that captured both his irrepressible spirit and the shock that rippled through the congregation. For Callum, the moment was nothing short of earth-shattering. He’d been preparing to confess his new relationship from the safety of distance; now, he’d have to face Ben’s reaction in person, surrounded by family and friends.
The episode’s events have left fans speculating about what comes next. Will Callum come clean about his affair? How will Ben react to the revelation that his husband has moved on with Johnny Carter? And what will the fallout be for the extended Mitchell and Highway families? With EastEnders airing Mondays through Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One—and episodes dropping early on BBC iPlayer—viewers won’t have to wait long to see how the drama unfolds.
Beyond the immediate shockwaves, the episode served as a showcase for the show’s ensemble cast. Max Bowden’s return as Ben brought a mix of vulnerability and defiance, while Tony Clay’s portrayal of Callum captured the anguish of a man torn between loyalty and new love. Gillian Taylforth’s Kathy was, as ever, a force to be reckoned with—her slap and subsequent negotiation with Callum demonstrating both her ferocity and her capacity for growth.
For long-time viewers, the episode was also a reminder of how EastEnders continues to reflect the complexities of modern relationships and family dynamics. The show’s willingness to tackle issues of fidelity, forgiveness, and the messiness of love has kept it relevant for decades. And with storylines that weave together humor, heartbreak, and suspense, it’s little wonder the soap remains a staple of British television.
As the dust settles from Ben’s dramatic return, Walford’s residents—and the show’s devoted fans—are left with more questions than answers. But if one thing is certain, it’s that EastEnders will keep delivering the twists, turns, and emotional punches that have made it a legend in its own right. The next chapter promises to be just as riveting as the last.
