EASTENDERS has confirmed two shock returns as a devastating death rocks one Walford family.
The BBC soap has confirmed The Sun’s exclusives that actors Max Bowden and Ricky Champ are making their way back to Walford later this autumn as they reprise their roles for a short stint.
Until now it had been a mystery about why they were returning but it can now be revealed that they will be back in Walford for a funeral.
Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway return to Walford as the Highways prepare to say goodbye to Jonno.
But with Ben’s husband Callum having recently cheated with Johnny, and with those feelings expected to grow, Ben may not be revisiting the happy family he left behind.
The soap teased: “Whilst both characters are only back for a short stint as Ben is on day release from prison in America, and Stuart has a life away from the Square with wife Raine, you’d think that all things would be smooth sailing, but this is Walford, and a lot can happen in a short amount of time.”
Max was axed from his role as Albert Square’s Ben Mitchell in 2023 following a showdown with bosses over his party lifestyle.
But he has been given another chance by the BBC soap’s new boss Ben Wadey.
A source said: “Ben had a list of characters he wanted to bring back and Ben Mitchell was one.
“It’s taken a little while to sort out but Max will be back filming on Albert Square later this year.”
Max famously dated his co-star Shona McGarty, 33, before moving on with Danielle Harold, 32, who he secretly dated for more than a year before they split.
It was recently revealed that the couple were no longer on speaking terms and had unfollowed each other on Instagram.
A TV insider said: “Max just can’t help himself when it comes to his co-stars.
“He has this energetic charm that the ladies seem to love.”
