Callum Highway and Ben Mitchell have been through so much in EastEnders. Still, there is more struggle ahead of the couple when Callum’s efforts to support his boyfriend end up causing problems in Ben’s business, and, as a result, Callum makes a big decision. Ben appears to struggle with his hearing impairment, which prompts Callum to recommend that he learn sign language. Yet Ben brushes off his idea, and then finds himself distracted when Danny Hardcastle comes back with an intriguing plan.
Ben pretends to be able to understand what Danny is saying to keep up appearances, and he’s desperate to ensure that the dodgy businessman doesn’t get the wind out of his hearing loss.
Kathy intervenes, however, and— as Callum enters to take Ben to his appointment, Danny delivers an ultimatum, leaving Callum somewhat concerned.
At the appointment, Ben learns that his operation won’t last for a couple of weeks, and reveals that the procedure might have significant complications.
Callum is anxious to ensure that Ben avoids tension and thus tells him about Danny, which leads to Ben storming off. But Callum is determined not to be pushed out and to be a part of it. Later, Ben hatches a plan to stay in control until he meets Danny, as Callum prepares for his police assessment — something he struggles to do after he learns from Ruby that Ben is in the club.
With all gone pear-shaped, Ben lashes out at Callum and proceeds to the storm off.
Later, the Mitchell lad has a drink at Prince Albert with a man called Hugo and proceeded to steal his car— which results in him being pulled over by the police and arrested. Callum is shocked at Ben’s capture, but things get worse when Kathy announces that her son is leaving Prince Albert with Hugo. Later, he speaks to Jack, making a difficult decision.
Was this the end of the line for Ben and Callum? Callum will only take too much of getting forced aside and tossed out, but when more knowledge comes to light, things can take another turn.
Despite their strong love, this experience could just as easily make them stronger as a family, and send Ben a wake-up call to let Callum in and acknowledge how he’s dealing with things. Fingers crossed that they could make it through.