When Callum Highway (Tony Clay) strayed from his marriage to Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) and embarked on a controversial affair with Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff), fans were stunned. But, as the storyline continues to unfold, it’s become clear that this betrayal doesn’t feel true to Callum’s character, and it’s left many wondering what’s next for the beloved couple. Here’s why EastEnders misfired with this plot and what it could do to salvage Callum’s journey moving forward.

💔 Callum’s Betrayal: A Shocking and Uncharacteristic Choice

When Callum and Ben first became a couple in 2019, they quickly became one of EastEnders’ most cherished pairings. Callum, a man defined by loyalty and devotion, stood by Ben through thick and thin—even when Ben tried to give him an “out” when he went to prison. So, when Callum strays and cheats with Johnny, it feels like a betrayal not only to Ben but to the audience that has followed his journey for years.

What’s most jarring is that there’s been very little buildup to this affair. The kiss between Callum and Johnny felt more like a sudden, off-the-cuff decision rather than the result of deep emotional turmoil or conflict. The excuse used to justify Callum’s actions—Ben’s time in prison and the deterioration of their communication—seems rushed, especially considering how dedicated Callum has been to Ben in the past. The affair lacks the nuance that could have made it a more believable part of Callum’s arc.

💔 Callum’s Lack of Remorse: A Betrayal Without Consequences

Perhaps even more problematic than the affair itself is Callum’s attitude toward it. There’s an almost startling lack of remorse. As Callum defends his actions to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), he makes excuses for his behavior and deflects blame onto Ben. The speech about his “loneliness” and the time spent looking after Lexi (Isabella Brown) felt desperate, but not in the sympathetic way it should have.

If Callum’s affair is to hold any weight in the eyes of viewers, it needs to be more than just a plot device. It should be a significant moment of reckoning for Callum, forcing him to confront the emotional damage caused by his actions. Right now, he’s just skating by without enough introspection, and as a result, it’s hard to feel for him.

💔 Johnny Carter: Underdeveloped and Tangential

Let’s not forget Johnny, the man at the center of this affair. Johnny, played by Charlie Suff, has become little more than a sounding board for Callum, and his character development has largely been ignored. For the most part, Johnny’s screen time has been spent supporting his mother, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), through her alcoholism, and dealing with the fallout from Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) murder cover-up.

The decision to place Johnny in a love triangle with Callum and Ben feels like an afterthought for his character. Johnny deserves more than just being a plot device in a drama that doesn’t have a solid emotional build. If the show is intent on keeping this affair going, it needs to give Johnny a storyline of his own, one that makes him feel like a person with real stakes rather than just a secondary character in someone else’s drama.

🔥 Where Does This Leave Callum and Ben?

As the plot continues to unfold, the biggest question on fans’ minds is whether Callum and Ben’s love story can ever be salvaged. It’s been established that Callum still loves Ben, but we’re not seeing enough evidence of that on-screen. Ben’s absence, due to his ongoing prison sentence, means Callum is left to fend for himself—and his actions with Johnny don’t seem to align with the deep, unwavering devotion he once showed to Ben.

If Ben does return, however, this storyline has the potential for intense drama. There should be a focus on Ben’s perspective—how he processes Callum’s betrayal and whether he can find forgiveness. Without Ben’s side of the story, the affair remains one-sided, and Callum’s journey feels incomplete.

💬 The Need for Self-Awareness and Growth

If Callum is to redeem himself in the eyes of fans, some self-awareness is a must. He needs to confront the emotional damage he’s caused—not just to Ben, but to himself. Right now, the character is acting without any real reflection, and this disconnect is what makes the affair feel unearned. Callum’s path forward needs to involve a period of introspection, reconciliation with his own actions, and perhaps a longer, more emotional exploration of his loneliness and unmet needs.

💥 What’s Next? The Show’s Opportunity to Rebuild Callum’s Story

The affair with Johnny has shaken the foundation of Callum and Ben’s relationship, but there’s still a chance for EastEnders to restore the trust between them—and in doing so, restore Callum’s integrity. The next steps for Callum need to include genuine remorse, an exploration of his emotional isolation, and perhaps a redemption arc where he truly earns the right to be with Ben again.

Additionally, Johnny needs to be fleshed out more. His character has too much potential to just be used in this affair without his own depth. It’s time to give Johnny more of a presence in Port Charles—perhaps in a storyline where he’s not just the catalyst for Callum’s mistakes but also a full-fledged character in his own right.

💬 Final Thoughts: Can Callum and Ben Survive This Betrayal?

The affair between Callum and Johnny has caused more damage than it has emotional payoff, and EastEnders must work hard to repair this storyline. The show needs to give Callum the space to reflect on his actions, find real remorse, and eventually work toward rebuilding his relationship with Ben. Johnny, meanwhile, deserves his own narrative that doesn’t revolve around the fallout of someone else’s choices.

In the end, Callum’s reputation—and his relationship with Ben—can only be salvaged if EastEnders takes the time to rebuild the character properly. There’s still hope for Ballum, but the show needs to handle this story with the care it deserves.

💬 So much more still hidden…
Even if today’s twist left fans REELING, don’t worry—the journey is FAR from over! For every SHOCKING TURN still to come, be sure to check back with spoilerverse.info regularly.
And if you’ve got a wild theory or just need to vent—we’re all ears. Drop your thoughts below! 💬