Callum Highway (Tony Clay) has cut a lonely figure on Albert Square since husband Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) was jailed in EastEnders earlier this year.

And next week, the copper is left feeling more isolated than ever after setbacks in their long-distance relationship.

Callum vowed to stand by Ben when he was sent to prison in America for credit card fraud he committed there last year while investigating treatment options for dying Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold).

In forthcoming scenes, Callum is gutted as Ben’s mum Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), brother Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and daughter Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) head to the States to see Ben, and he is unable to join as he can’t get time off work.

He is further saddened when he misses a call from Ben, and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) encourages him to live his life and enjoy a night out with pal Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff).

But just when Callum is gearing up for a night on the tiles, Billy makes a comment that it hasn’t taken him long to move on from Ben, leaving him horrified.

However, Callum will have to learn how to live without his husband, as Ben was sentenced to six years in prison for his crimes.

The character’s exit came after actor Max Bowden exited the BBC soap after five years in the role of Ben.

And while Callum might currently be horrified at the idea of people thinking he’s into Johnny, EastEnders fans have already predicted a new relationship could be on the cards for them…