EastEnders has revealed why Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway will soon be returning to Walford – and it’s for a sad reason.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Max Bowden would soon be returning to Albert Square for a guest stint as Ben, with a full-time return further down the line also on the cards.

Then last week, The Sun also reported that Ricky Champ was set to reprise his role as Stuart for a limited period, bringing drama to the Square.

The BBC soap has now finally confirmed both of these exciting returns, revealing that both Max and Ricky will be returning to their roles for short stints this autumn.

EastEnders has also explained why we will be seeing these characters again, with the Highways coming together for a funeral after Stuart and Callum’s dad Jonno passes away.

A first-look image of Stuart, Callum, Ben and Johnny has been released as the actors are currently on location filming these emotional scenes – and there is bound to be plenty of drama to come.

Viewers know that Ben is currently in prison in America, and while his husband Callum has until now stayed fiercely loyal, he recently cheated on him with Johnny.

This complicated affair is expected to spiral into something more serious, and Callum’s feelings for Johnny will grow in upcoming episodes.

With Ben on day release from prison for Jonno’s funeral, he looks forward to seeing some old faces again, including his husband. But he may not be returning to the happy family he left behind last year…

Meanwhile, Stuart hasn’t been seen on-screen since 2022, when he left the Square for a new life with Rainie, but what has happened to him since remains under wraps for now.

Of course, as he said his goodbyes to Walford, Stuart urged Ben to give his relationship with Callum another go. So what will he make of his brother’s blossoming romance with Johnny?

Both characters will appear in a few episodes later this year, but EastEnders has teased that a lot can happen in a short amount of time…