EASTENDERS is getting a huge return next week when Ben Mitchell makes a surprise appearance in Walford – despite being banged up in America.

The thug – who is played by actor Max Bowden in the BBC soap – was imprisoned for a scam he pulled off in the US over a year ago.

Since then life in Walford has moved on – including his husband Callum.

Viewers know that Callum has developed feelings for Johnny Carter and they’ve begun to have a full blown affair safe in the knowledge that Ben is nowhere near them.

However, with Callum’s dad Jonno dead, Ben uses it as an excuse to get day release for the funeral and turns up next week.

It’s the day of Jonno’s funeral, and Kathy rallies the rest of the Mitchell clan to support Callum.

Callum asks Johnny to stay away from the funeral to avoid suspicion, and the pair kiss, unaware that Kathy has seen them.

At the café, Kathy tells the Mitchell’s about Callum’s actions who reel to discover his deceit.

Phil, Kathy, Billy, Honey, Ian and Harvey collectively confront Callum, but he hits back with some home truths before heading off to find Johnny where he reveals he’s serious about their relationship and he wants him at the funeral.

Stuart arrives, having been persuaded by Johnny, as Kathy and the rest of the Mitchells agree to keep the truth from Ben on the proviso that Callum tells Ben and Lexi himself after the funeral.

Callum agrees, but he’s shocked when Ben turns up to the funeral unannounced.

Callum is shocked as Ben supports him at the graveside, as Johnny and Stuart work hard to keep the truth under wraps.

Back in Walford, Phil and Kathy are thrilled to see Ben who explains that he was transferred to a UK prison for turning informant on his cellmate and was granted release for the funeral, but they’re both distracted by Callum’s infidelity.

In The Vic, Johnny tries to convince Callum to remain quiet about their relationship, but Callum reasons he must tell Ben.

Will he confess all and what will Ben’s reaction to it all be?