EastEnders fans are scratching their heads after witnessing what seems to be a drastic character transformation, hinting at another love triangle brewing in the ever-dramatic BBC series.
Square regular Callum Highway (played by Tony Clay) has been unexpectedly wooed by Johnny Carter (portrayed by Charlie Suff), stirring up trouble despite his vows to his incarcerated hubby Ben Mitchell (acted out by Max Bowden), who’s doing time Stateside for fraud.
The once platonic bond between Callum and Johnny has escalated into a string of steamy encounters, leaving viewers surprised, considering Callum has been devoted to Ben throughout his imprisonment ordeal.
Dismayed fans have flocked to social media platforms to air their bafflement, with comments denouncing the shift as uncharacteristic for the usually steadfast Callum.
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One viewer penned on platform X: “This is callum highway. who fought for ben through ben losing his hearing, who waited for ben to be ready after he was raped, who said ‘i never stopped loving you’, who said all the other men in london can go sing. bit of a 180 don’t you think? #Eastenders.”
Echoing the sentiment, another typed: “Last week callum was waxing lyrical about ben and how much he missed him now he’s saying if it weren’t for lexi things might be different? ? HUH? disjointed, plotty AND ooc writing from #Eastenders.
“There’s been zero build up to callum developing whatever these feelings are.”
One EE viewer commented that Callum’s character is being “destroyed” by the ongoing plot, while another shocked viewer remarked: “Cheating with his ring on PURE evil. 2021 Callum would be appalled #eastenders.”
Yet, support for Johnny and Callum appears to be growing among fans, with one tweeting: “Honestly, Johnny and Callum are good together, no doubt Ben’s return will ruin everything! #EastEnders.”
Ben left Walford in a cloud last year following his arrest for credit card fraud in America – an incident that unfolded during a trip abroad, reports Belfast Live.
Since his departure, he hasn’t been seen, although he’s often referenced; with Callum staying in touch and his young daughter Lexi Pearce (played by Isabella Brown) maintaining a presence on screen.
Speculation is rife that Ben might make a comeback to Albert Square, though EastEnders chiefs have stayed mum, remaining tight-lipped about any confirmation of his return to our screens.
