EastEnders Confirms Ben Mitchell, Stuart Highway Returns for Jonno Funeral

EastEnders has confirmed the return of Max Bowden and Ricky Champ as Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway for a brief storyline this autumn. Their characters will reunite in Walford to attend the funeral of Jonno, father of Stuart and Callum Highway, with Ben appearing on day release from prison in the USA. The storyline features tension arising from Callum's recent affair with Johnny, complicating Ben's return to the family. Both actors are filming for a limited run, with Ben's character having been previously arrested for fraud and imprisoned following the death of Lola Pearce, and Stuart leading a separate life away from Albert Square. Despite the temporary nature of their appearances, producers hint that significant developments will occur during their time back on the show. This return follows Max Bowden's earlier departure in 2023 and subsequent reconciliation with the show's new executive producer, who facilitated his comeback.