‘EastEnders’ hints at marriage drama for Ben and Callum as a mystery man arrives

EastEnders - Ben and Callum meet an attractive man at the market
Ben Mitchell and Callum Highway meet an attractive man at the market— but is there relationship in trouble? (Image credit: BBC / Kieron McCarron/ Jack Barnes)

EastEnders fan favourites Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and Callum Highway’s (Tony Clay) relationship could be in danger when they meet an attractive man later this month.

Ben and Callum, also known as ‘Ballum’ tied the knot in May this year and fans have been loving their relationship ever since. But as the couple continue to settle into their married life, another interesting storyline is set to pop up for the pair when they spot a handsome man in the market.

The couple have had a few problems arise since their marriage. Callum has had some insecurities when there was a surprise appearance from one of Ben’s ex-lovers, making him anxious about Ben’s dating past. Ben has also had some worries since Callum was given a phone number by a flirty guy

Callum Highway gets chatted up in EastEnders

Callum was given a flirty guy's number, which left Ben Mitchell heartbroken. (Image credit: BBC)

In scenes set to air later this month, after Ben and Callum see the stranger in the market, the pair later bump into him at The Prince Albert. Callum invites him to have a drink with them, and, as they chat the night away, their conversation soon spirals. What could it be about?

After the couple won the Feel-Good Moment prize at the Inside Soap Awards 2021, Max spoke to Digital Spy and suggested that Ballum’s love could be tested this year, as he said, "I think their relationship speaks to the everyman, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. It's two working-class boys drawn together by similarities, not differences. And I think everyone's got a similar story to that at some point in their life."

"I think the next 12 months are going to be very strained," he teased, "There are going to be several moments that test their love for each other, and their ability to care for each other. So, watch this space!"

EastEnders airs Mondays at 8.05pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.35pm, and Fridays at 8.30pm on BBC1 — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now.

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.


You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!


Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.