such a short time as Jonno Highway. Introduced in 2019, Jonno arrived on Albert Square as the estranged father of Callum “Halfway” Highway and Stuart Highway. His presence instantly caused ripples across the community, both within his own fractured family and in the lives of several other residents. Although Jonno’s time on the show was not lengthy, his impact was undeniable, and his actions revealed the deep scars of dysfunction, intolerance, and control that shaped his family dynamic. To bring such a volatile and layered character to life, the show cast seasoned actor Richard Graham, a performer known for his versatility and his ability to capture both charm and menace on screen.

Jonno Highway’s character is defined by contradiction. On the surface, he appeared as an ordinary working-class man, the type of figure who could easily blend into the fabric of Walford. But underneath, he carried an aggressive streak, a judgmental nature, and an unsettling intolerance that quickly set him apart as a dangerous influence. His arrival was tied to Callum’s upcoming wedding to Whitney Dean, as Whitney invited him in hopes of mending old family wounds and presenting a united front. However, instead of bringing reconciliation, Jonno’s presence unearthed bitter truths about the past and reignited conflicts that had long been simmering.

Much of Jonno’s story is defined by his relationship with his sons. With Stuart, the older of the two, there was a history of violence and abuse. Stuart carried emotional scars from years of mistreatment, and Jonno’s reappearance reopened those wounds. The strained dynamic between father and son revealed just how toxic their past interactions had been. Jonno’s need to dominate and belittle his children created an atmosphere of fear rather than love, and this became painfully clear as old arguments resurfaced. Stuart, once a troublemaker himself, found his resolve tested when confronting the man who had shaped so much of his anger.

With Callum, the conflict took on a different but equally devastating form. Unlike Stuart, Callum had always been portrayed as more gentle and emotionally open. Yet, Jonno’s response to Callum’s sexuality highlighted his most harmful traits. When Callum began living his truth as a gay man, Jonno refused to accept him. His homophobia manifested in cruel comments, dismissive behavior, and outright rejection. This rejection was a defining moment not just for Callum but for the community around him, as it exposed the damaging effects of prejudice within families. Jonno’s inability to love his son unconditionally became one of the most heartbreaking aspects of his storyline, and it placed him firmly in the role of an antagonist.

Jonno’s clashes extended beyond his own family. His behavior drew the attention of other characters, including Ben Mitchell, who was romantically involved with Callum. Ben, never one to back down from confrontation, challenged Jonno’s narrow-minded views and stood firmly by Callum’s side. These confrontations underscored the contrast between Jonno’s outdated, intolerant outlook and the more supportive relationships Callum was building in his life. In one particularly dramatic sequence, Jonno’s aggression boiled over into physical conflict, leading Phil Mitchell to step in and defend Callum, ultimately knocking Jonno down. This moment was symbolic, as it showed the wider Walford community uniting against Jonno’s toxic presence.

Although Jonno was painted largely in a negative light, the character was not one-dimensional. His portrayal allowed viewers to reflect on the realities of domestic dysfunction, generational trauma, and the