EastEnders fans 'figure out' Ben Mitchell twist as pictures confirm return

Fans of EastEnders are convinced there's a twist coming amid Ben Mitchell's confirmed return to the BBC soap. Actor Max Bowden will reprise his role later this year for a short stint.

He isn't alone though, as Stuart Highway, played by actor Ricky Champ, is also briefly returning to Walford. Both characters are returning for the funeral of Stuart and Callum Highway's father Jonno, spoilers have revealed.

It comes as the soap confirmed a death was on the cards for Jonno, with cast filming for the funeral this week. Callum will be reunited with husband Ben amid his secret affair with Johnny Carter, with fans predicting it will all kick off.

READ MORE: EastEnders confirms Ben Mitchell's return with first look funeral pictures

READ MORE: EastEnders 'drops huge hint' character will return from prison - and it's not Ben

But that's not all they are predicting, with fans convinced the double return will lead to some big news or a huge plot. Viewers believe Ben's brief return could stem into a full-time comeback in one of three ways, amid him still being in prison in the US.

While Max is only the reprising the role for a short stint this autumn, fans are convinced he could be back later on. Some fans wondered if Ben will be transferred to a prison in the UK, while some also think he might be released and will return to Walford.

A third theory has seen fans guessing a dramatic twist at the funeral will see Ben escape and go on the run, potentially returning later down the line. The soap confirmed "a lot can happen in a short space of time" teasing drama when Ben is back onscreen.

So will something huge happen? One fan predicted online: "I think if they are bring him back it is gonna include some type of escape plan." Another viewer said: "I did wonder given there's no guard with him in the pics if he might do a runner mid funeral lol."

A third fan commented: "I do hope they don’t go down the route of Ben planning some type of elaborate escape whilst at the funeral." As for the prison transfer, one fan said: "I think he gets transferred back to the UK."

One fan echoed this saying: "I agree," as another wrote: "I was wondering this, it would be away to have him onscreen a bit more if he was to return full-time." Viewers also discussed the potential of a reunion for Ballum, the ship name fans created for Ben and Callum.

A theory read: "The potential for Callum/Johnny's affair to get exposed, and Ben to ditch Callum for it, is pure soap. Plus whatever happens is just the set-up for when Ben gets released early next year and we get an eventual Ballum reunion.

"Because that IS happening." Another fan replied: "Hoping it leads to Ben back full time and all is forgiven and Ballum reunite cos I don't see Callum and Johnny working." A further fan added: "I'm sure Ben will back full time early next year, and then the Ballum reunion will be inevitable. Callum & Johnny is just to drive drama for that, it won't last."

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads.