EastEnders spoilers: Explosion rocks Albert Square as Callum Highway gives husband Ben Mitchell an ultimatum
WEEKS after a horrific homophobic attack, Ben Mitchell still struggles with the painful memories triggered by the assault.
In recent weeks, he has decided to push his husband Callum Highway away to avoid being targeted, leading the latter to give him an ultimatum.
Reminded of the death of his former boyfriend Paul, Ben (Max Bowden) froze as his his other half Callum (Tony Clay) was being beaten during the assault on the streets of Walford.
But since the attack, nothing has been the same for the pair who are supposed to celebrate their first ever wedding anniversary in mere months.
As Ben is trying to process his feelings, pushing Callum away along the way to healing, he has made the decision to get back into the closet, thus no longer living his life as an openly gay man.
Read our soap spoilers live blog for the latest gossip
The decision was made following Pam Coker’s (Lin Blakley) return to the borough, upon hearing Ben and his husband had been attacked.
However, while Ben is convinced he is making the right decision for their safety, Callum struggles with not being able to live his truth.
In an upcoming episode of EastEnders, due to air next week on BBC One, Callum grows exasperated and gives Ben an ultimatum.
It all begins following Stuart’s (Ricky Champ) escape from the hospital, after being encouraged by Ben, unbeknownst to Rainie (Tanya Franks) and Callum.
A panicked Callum breaks down for his lost brother at Walford East but Ben hesitates to comfort him as the pair are in public.
Callum snaps at him offended, and later on tells him he is organising a party outside The Prince Albert.
He only has one demand for his husband: Ben should attend the party if he believes their marriage has a future.
But as a crowd gathers to help Callum set up for the party and the deadline approaches, Ben is still as his desk at The Arches, leaving a devastated Callum to believe that their marriage could be over.
more on eastenders
However, Ben shows up at the last minute… just as terror makes it way into Albert Square once again.
When Walford is rocked by a terrifying explosion at the Argee Bhajee, Callum and Ben fear the worst.
Callum rushes to his husband, who appears shaken by the events.
Their priorities seem to be shaken up as bother spouses are startled and devastated by the explosion.
Will Ben and Callum be able to overcome the obstacles standing in their way?
Will the incident be a stepping stone to the couple finding harmony again?
Tune in to BBC One to find out.