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.

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.

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.

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.

The pair had spent an evening together, and Callum was pleased that he’d focussed his efforts on a creative writing course.

Phil couldn’t have been less interested. To him, it further highlighted how much he missed his son and brushed Callum off.

Later, the Mitchell clan decided to put on somewhat of a party in The Vic for Phil, with Nigel hoping he’d agree after presenting him with a card.

Sadly, he refused to leave the house and said he’d rather just get a chippy and watch a film instead. That led to Nige having to break the news to his waiting family that he wouldn’t be attending.

Sharon became deeply concerned.

Will she be the one who finally gets him to open up?