EastEnders’ Max Bowden on what’s next for Ben and Callum after split

EastEnders' Max Bowden has confirmed Ben Mitchell and Callum Highway are going to break up this Christmas.

The couple - who have been nicknamed 'Ballum' by fans - are set to go their separate ways this holiday season, as Ben tries to do his best to protect Callum. EastEnders' Christmas episodes are set to see Phil Mitchell find out that Keanu is the father of Sharon's baby - something which he turns to Ben for help to deal with. And as he assures his father that Keanu won't be surviving Christmas, Ben decides that he needs to leave Callum for his own protection. However, Bowden - who plays Ben - admitted that he wouldn't rule out a reunion between the pair down the line. "I hope so! As I said, the most fundamental thing in Ben’s life is to get to that level playing field with Phil," he told Metro. "Ben can’t go straight, it’s in his nature – as much as he may try, it’s embedded. It’s about acceptance of who he is. I’d like to see them get back together – we’ll have to wait to see." "It’s also whether Callum will give up – Ben’s not the only player in this. What’s the impact on Ben’s psyche of being responsible for this death? How is that going to play out? There’s a lot to look for," Kate Oates, Head of BBC Continuing Drama, continued.   "Phil is really hurt by this betrayal – it’s really hard to forget he’s more than just hard man Phil Mitchell but he has heart. And in the run up to this he is really flying off the handle! He’s been an alcoholic and a crack addict so he needs to exorcise this anger in him. Ben is in this position; he is in the father role – he needs to protect Phil so he needs to sacrifice Callum."