EastEnders viewers are buzzing with speculation that Stuart Highway (portrayed by Ricky Champ) might be popping back to Walford for a brief stint, and it’s all linked to the anticipated return of Max Branning (played by Jake Wood).
Fans of the BBC One drama will recall Stuart’s arrival in May 2018 as a mate of Mick Carter’s (Danny Dyer). However, in 2021, Stuart faced a tough battle with breast cancer and depression over several months.
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Despite receiving the all-clear from his consultant, Stuart was then confronted with his harrowing emotions regarding his baby son, Roland, who was born via surrogate by Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) in 2022.
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As he grappled with his mental health, Stuart’s brother Callum (Tony Clay) and grandmother Vi (Gwen Taylor) were stunned to discover he was arranging his own funeral.
Fans of the BBC One drama will recall Stuart’s arrival in May 2018 as a mate of Mick Carter’s (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
READ MORE: EastEnders fans ‘work out’ exit for popular character as another ‘returns from the dead’READ MORE: EastEnders’ Harry Mitchell actor ‘unrecognisable’ in forgotten BBC One talent showCallum implored Rainie (Tanya Franks), Stuart’s estranged wife and Max’s ex, not to abandon him while Stuart sought help, reports OK!.
Rainie, who also looked after baby Abi Branning, Max’s granddaughter, had been living with Max overseas, with the child last known to be abroad with him.
In August 2022, Stuart and Rainie departed Walford for a fresh start with their son Roland, seeking a life free from the Square’s turmoil.
Yet, with news of Max Branning’s confirmed return to EastEnders, fans are now theorising that Stuart will make his way back to Walford to reconnect with Max.
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A fan took to X, posting: “Stuart Highway is back for a guest stint…. he needs to give Callum a clip round the ear hole then #EastEnders.”
A second fan excitedly shared: “It’s been revealed that Ricky Champ is returning as Stuart Highway for a guest stint later this year.”
Stuart is rumoured to be coming back for a temporary stint(Image: BBC / Kieron McCarron)
A third chimed in: “What are the odds that it’s all to do with Max and Abi and he doesn’t even get a scene with Callum?”.
On Reddit, a curious user posed the question, “I wonder if it’s got something to do with the Brannings?”.
Another ventured a guess, saying, “I guess for Callum and maybe Abi Jr. It seems like he and Max will cross paths.”
In a 2023 interview with MyLondon, Ricky Champ hinted at the possibility of his character Stuart Highway making a comeback to EastEnders after a dramatic spell in Walford.
Max Branning is returning to Albert Square
He explained: “The door is open and that was a discussion that we had when we decided it was time for Stuart to leave, to be rested. He’s not dead, so who knows what the future will bring but not for a while I don’t think.”
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Ricky also mentioned: “I think there’s still interest, they were loved characters. But you know lot happened to Stuart in a relatively short arc.”
Reflecting on his character’s journey, he added: “In just a few years, he went from being evil and horrible to being a family man, and then there was talk about where to go with him, and so it was probably the right decision.”
