Ballum fans, get ready. The brief reunion of your favourite EastEnders couple is about to begin.
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!
Why is Ben Mitchell returning to EastEnders?
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.
Why is Ben Mitchell in prison?
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.
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).
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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.
Even though Johnny has headed off on a cruise, he’s still sending risqué photos to Callum.
