EastEnders favourite stages unexpected return – and sad news follows
Share:
Ballum fans rejoice! We have a fresh update on Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) in EastEnders, following Callum Highway’s (Tony Clay) return to Albert Square. Sadly, it sparked more sadness for Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). Callum has, of course, spent the last few weeks in America, where husband Ben has been extradited for committing fraud.
![[Ben Mitchell is arrested as he says goodbye to his family in EastEnders]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_235526996-0930.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
He was sentenced to four years behind bars, having been imprisoned early last year. The incident has sparked much upset and loneliness in dad Phil’s life. That, combined with his divorce from Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and his one true love Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) coupling up with his cousin Teddy (Roland Manookian) have caused his mental health to spiral.
![[The Mitchells gather in the Vic to celebrate Phil's birthday]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/501464-b53b.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
As we know, heartbreaking upcoming scenes will see the Walford legend attempt to take his own life. In tonight’s episode, Phil entered the cafe and was wished a belated happy birthday from Ben’s mum Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth). As a celebratory treat, whatever he wanted from the menu was free of charge.
![[Sharon Watts and Nigel Bates chat at the bar in the Vic]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/501466-69f6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Best pal Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) felt guilty for not realising it was his big day – but it seemed like he hadn’t made much of a fuss to alert him to the fact in the first place. Callum walked in, having arrived home from his trip, and sat down with Phil to tell him how Ben was doing.
