It’s been the question on every EastEnders fan’s lips ever since Ben Mitchell’s (Max Bowden) return was confirmed – just how is he going to make the journey from the US?

It was announced in August that the character will very briefly return for a very stint alongside Ricky Champ, who plays Stuart Highway, in the autumn.

A picture released by the BBC soap showed the characters stood alongside Callum Highway (Tony Clay) and Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff), attending the funeral of Highway patriarch Jonno.

If mourning his homophobic and estranged father wasn’t bad enough for Callum, he’s also going to have to come face to face with his husband Ben, who he recently cheated on.

These episodes are now almost upon us, with a tense reunion expected between the husbands next week.

But how exactly is Ben going to return from the States, and why is he there?

Why is Ben Mitchell living in America?

The plot seemingly opened a huge can of worms, as it made no logical sense for Ben to attend the funeral.

Luckily, EastEnders have provided us with an explanation.

Ben departed life in Albert Square in 2024. He was arrested for fraud and sent to prison in the USA.

It came shortly after the death of Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), the mother of Ben’s daughter Lexi (Isabella Brown).

Ben went to prison because he was arrested for using someone’s credit card, and making a number of purchases while exploring treatment options for Lola – who had a brain tumour – in the States.

How does Ben Mitchell come back to the UK?

In upcoming scenes, Callum warns Johnny against attending the funeral – he doesn’t want to raise anymore suspicion with the Mitchell clan, and certainly doesn’t want to provoke yet another angry reaction from Ben’s dad Phil (Steve McFadden).

Nevertheless, the pair share a kiss, unaware that Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) has seen the interaction.

She gathers the Mitchells together and tells them about the shocking smooch, and everyone is furious at Callum’s deceit.

They’re not going to let this one lie!

As he prepares to head to the funeral, the whole family decide to confront him, but they’re not prepared for the home truths that he hits back with.

Backtracking on his earlier decision, Callum reaffirms his affection for Johnny and asks him to be in attendance.

The Mitchells come to the conclusion that they’re better off keeping the news from Ben until after the funeral, but the news could come out a lot sooner…

Ben has arrived for the burial!

Phil and Kathy are thrilled to see their son, as he explains that he’s been granted day release from the British prison that he’s been transferred to, having informed authorities about some dodgy goings on within his US jail.

That clears that up then…