🚨 EastEnders Has Misfired with Callum Highway and Johnny Carter’s Affair – Here’s What It Needs to Do Nex
When EastEnders reintroduced Johnny Carter and began teasing tension between him and Callum Highway, many fans expected complex emotional storytelling rooted in the legacy of The Queen Vic, loyalty, grief, and identity. Instead, what we got felt rushed, shallow, and – frankly – out of character for both men.
This affair had the potential to be a powerful, slow-burn plotline. Instead, it’s come across as forced, unearned, and damaging to characters that deserved more.
💔 Why It Fell Flat
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Callum’s Loyalty Wasn’t Just to Ben – It Was to Himself
Callum’s entire arc has been built around a man coming to terms with his sexuality, wrestling with shame, and committing himself to a difficult but real marriage with Ben Mitchell. Having him cheat – and so quickly – undermines years of emotional growth and nuance. His trauma and loyalty were erased overnight for the sake of shock value. -
Johnny Returned with No Real Build-Up
Johnny’s return should’ve been a moment of celebration – a Carter back in Walford! But instead of exploring his own journey, his re-entry revolved solely around tempting Callum. It reduced him to a plot device. Fans didn’t get to reconnect with Johnny as a person; they got a stranger suddenly stirring trouble. -
Ben’s Absence Is Being Exploited, Not Explored
Ben’s mental health struggles and his absence should have opened space for a raw exploration of grief, guilt, and disconnection. Instead, his absence is being used merely as a backdrop for betrayal – which feels lazy, rather than layered.
🧠 What EastEnders Needs to Do Next
If the writers want to salvage this story (and the characters involved), here’s how:
1. Give Callum the Space to Reflect
We need scenes of Callum dealing with the fallout, not just avoiding it. Let him spiral, break down, confront his actions — and own them. Make it messy and human.
2. Rebuild Johnny as More Than a Plot Device
Give Johnny storylines outside of this affair. Show his motivations. Is he lonely? Does he feel invisible next to the Carter legacy? We need depth, not just temptation.
3. Let Ben’s Perspective Be Heard
Whether Ben returns or communicates from afar, viewers need to hear his voice. Give us his reaction. His pain. His rage. Even from a distance, he deserves a seat in this story.
4. Don’t Rush to Make It a New Couple
Fans won’t accept Callum and Johnny as a couple unless the show earns it. Right now, there’s no foundation. Take time to rebuild trust (if possible). Or accept that this affair was a mistake that fractures multiple relationships.
🗣️ What Viewers Are Saying
“Callum cheating? Just lazy writing. He wouldn’t.”
“They ruined Johnny’s return for THIS?”
“We waited months for Ben and Callum to be together — for it to end like this?”
Social media has not been kind, and it’s clear that loyal fans feel betrayed — not entertained.
✍️ Final Thoughts
This affair storyline didn’t need to be a disaster — but EastEnders rushed it, flattened it, and in doing so, weakened two fan-favorite characters. There’s still time to course-correct. But it starts with slowing down, digging deeper, and trusting the emotional truth these characters used to have.
