The residents of Walford better get used to saying hello and goodbye in EastEnders, with the return of much-loved favourite coinciding with another’s exit story next week, as revealed in our new pictures.

The time to say goodbye to Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) is almost upon us, with his departure set in motion next week when the police arrive to arrest him during a surprise party for Callum Highway’s (Tony Clay) birthday.

The mechanic is quick to protest his innocence as he’s taken away in cuffs, with details of a previous crime soon emerging.

What have you done this time Ben? Well that is the question, and it’s safe to say that the much-loved character is concerned about how exactly he’ll get out of this one as he turns to dad Phil (Steve McFadden) to make a huge request.

Callum, meanwhile, decides to use his job to his advantage, but will he be able to get his husband off the hook? Only time will tell.

Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), meanwhile, returns to Walford, with Zack Hudson (James Farrar) throwing her a welcome home baby shower, but things soon take a turn as Britney is in Whitney’s company, with Whit revealing thatthat she’s her new foster mum.

Devastated that yet again Whitney has kept something this big from him, Zack storms out, but can the couple get back on the same page? Or will details of Zack’s attempt to kiss Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) be exposed?

Elsewhere, Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) is taken aback to see Jade Masood (Elizabeth Green) back on the Square so soon after her hospital stay.

Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) faces some questions after Jean gets wind from Jade that it was her dad that was administering her medication but will Dean be able to talk his way out of this one as Jean figures out what he’s been doing?

Shockingly yes, as the rapist turns the tables on unsuspecting Jean, pointing the finger at her!

Another unmissable week for the BBC’s flagship soap, which is on a role right now!