EastEnders spoilers reveal first look at Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway returns for funeral scenes
Max Bowden and Ricky Champ will be back for a few episodes later in autumn.
A first-look picture has been revealed for an upcoming EastEnders episode, revealing that Max Bowden and Ricky Champ will be reprising their roles as Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway respectively.
Bowden left the soap as Ben in March 2024, when the character was extradited to the US having committed credit card fraud in a desperate plan to save his daughter Lexi's mother, Lola Pearce-Brown (Danielle Harold), from her terminal brain tumour.
Meanwhile, Champ last appeared on the soap in 2022, with Stuart leaving Walford with his wife Rainie as he was struggling with his mental health.
Now, it has been confirmed that both stars will reprise their roles for a few episodes later in autumn, as they are currently filming.
The characters will be returning for the funeral of Jonno, Callum and Stuart's violent and homophobic father.
However, Ben may not be getting the reunion he was hoping for with his husband Callum, as Callum recently cheated on him with Johnny.
It has been confirmed that both characters are currently only back for a short stint, as Ben is on day release from prison, and Stuart has a life away from the Square with Raine.
However, it has been noted that while "you’d think that all things would be smooth sailing", in Walford "a lot can happen in a short amount of time".
The first-look image shows Ben in handcuffs, stood alongside Stuart, as well as Tony Clay's Callum and Charlie Suff's Johnny. They are all in funeral dress.
Earlier this year, The Sun reported that new executive producer Ben Wadey had decided to bring Bowden back, and that this guest stint could lead to a potential full-time return down the line.
The publication also reported on Champ's return, but deemed that to be only for a "limited period".
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
