EastEnders enthusiasts are speculating that Ben Mitchell, played by Max Bowden, is set to make a return to Walford soon, following a recent hint.

Earlier this week, the character made a dramatic reappearance on the BBC soap to stand by his husband, Callum, portrayed by Tony Highway, at his father’s funeral.

Ben, a former mechanic, is currently serving a prison sentence for credit card fraud but was granted day release to attend the funeral of his despised father-in-law.

However, the reunion was far from joyful as Ben was heartbroken to learn that Callum had been romantically involved with Johnny Carter, played by Charlie Suff, and had fallen for him.

In response, Ben promptly ended their marriage and appeared dejected as he was escorted back to his prison cell, reports OK!

On Wednesday (October 8), Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden, was irate upon seeing Callum and Johnny sharing a kiss in the Square, while Kathy Beale, portrayed by Gillian Taylforth, advised him to move forward.

As Phil prepares to visit his daughter Louise, played by Tilly Keeper, abroad, Kathy and Julie Bates, played by Karen Henthorn, suggested he should visit a distraught Ben before heading to the airport.

Upon arriving at the prison, Phil and Kathy found their son putting on a brave front despite his stern demeanour. He expressed his intention to inform his daughter Lexi Pearce, played by Isabella Brown, about his impending divorce from Callum.

Kathy cautioned that it would be better for Callum to break the news, explaining the situation in a prison visiting room, while Phil saw through Ben’s act and warned against suppressing emotions.

When Phil confessed that his own tendency to ‘put on a brave face’ nearly cost him his life, Ben was taken aback and concerned.

However, Phil reassured him that although there wasn’t an instant solution, he had sought help at a mental health facility and finally received the support he needed.

Inspired by Phil’s candidness, Ben opened up about how Callum and Lexi were his lifelines during his time in prison– but now his marriage was over.

In a touching father-son moment, an emotional Phil advised Ben to keep his nose clean, promising him that he’d be home before he knew it.

He counselled: “You just concentrate on getting your head down and staying out of trouble, and coming home as soon as you can.”

Phil then lightened the mood with a quip: “You’ll be doing that dance routine at home sooner than you think, you will.”

Phil’s sage advice has stirred EastEnders fans into speculation, convinced that he was hinting at Ben’s imminent return.

One viewer took to X to comment: “Phil encourages Ben to focus on the future and getting out early.”

Another fan shared: “Was brilliant to have Ben in tonight’s episode… loved his chat with his parents, lots came to light… I hope he’s back full-time sometime next year… loved the guest appearance #eastenders.”

A third chimed in: “That scene convinced me 100% that Ben will return. For now, he’ll focus on Lexi and family and behave. I see an early release coming. #EastEnders.”

“Ok now that I’ve seen today’s episode, I’m thinking that cant be the last time we see Max Bowden as Ben. Can it? There’s so much more he can do with the character. #EastEnders”, another viewer chimed in.