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EastEnders’ Ben and Callum separated in lockdown as the Mitchells descend into a life of crime

EASTENDERS' Ben Mitchell and Callum Highway are set to be separated by lockdown rules - as the dad-of-one isolates with Phil, Lexi and Lola.

Max Bowden, who plays Ben, revealed being apart has driven the character back into "a life of crime".

Ben is descending into a life of crime
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Ben is descending into a life of crimeCredit: BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Explaining his character's behaviour, Max said: "[Ben's] not in a personally good place.

"He's kind of gone back to a life of crime while Callum's going completely the other way.

"[Ben has] locked down with Phil, Lexi and Lola because Phil would be at risk because of his liver transplant.

"Obviously, he wants to be with his daughter during lockdown."

The actors chatted to Stacey Dooley on Secrets from the Square
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The actors chatted to Stacey Dooley on Secrets from the Square
The couple have been separated during lockdown
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The couple have been separated during lockdown

Both Max and Tony Clay, who plays Ben's boyfriend Callum in the BBC1 soap, were chatting with presenter Stacey Dooley on Secrets from the Square.

Tony commented: "We last left Callum being quite 'suspicious' - I think is the right word - of Ben.

"Callum is just very, very focused on trying to get into the police now, and he doesn't want that derailed by Ben trying to impress his dad again."

Reflecting on future storylines, he added: "It's a brilliant avenue to explore, and I think it'll be really interesting to see what comes up.

"You know, if he walks in on Phil and Ben doing something.

"He might be like, 'Um, do I turn my head or…' - I think that will be very interesting and exciting to explore."

And when asked by Stacey who the most important man in Ben's life is, Max responded: "That's the whole question, isn't it? That's the whole question.

"It's what it comes down to - the Ben that he wants to be with Callum or the Ben that his dad wants him to be.

Ben has been staying with daughter Lexi and her mum Lola
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Ben has been staying with daughter Lexi and her mum LolaCredit: BBC
Dad Phil seems to be having an influence on his behaviour
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Dad Phil seems to be having an influence on his behaviourCredit: BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

"I think it's very hard to answer that question until we get back [to filming]."

Last night in the same show, Tony revealed his dad spent two months in hospital with coronavirus.

He explained: "It's been a bit of a strange time for me, my dad was hospitalised with the coronavirus.

Viewers will see how their relationship will develop
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Viewers will see how their relationship will developCredit: BBC
Actor Tony revealed his dad was in hospital with coronavirus
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Actor Tony revealed his dad was in hospital with coronavirus

"Two months in hospital, three different hospitals - it was just a hard, hard time.

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"On my dad and on my family - and the nation really, going through this."

Host Stacey asked if his dad was on the mend now, with Tony replying: "He is, he's finally home so I'm very, very, very happy - and a bit overwhelmed by it all."

EastEnders' Tony Clay reveals dad's battle with coronavirus in chat with Stacey Dooley
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