EASTENDERS fans have 'rumbled a huge comeback' after spotting a giveaway clue in a behind-the-scenes picture.
The BBC soap has seen a number of departures lately - such as Sam Mitchell and Keanu Taylor - with more to come.
Shona McGarty is set to depart her role as Whitney Dean very soon, while Max Bowden is also leaving after five years playing Ben Mitchell.
EastEnders fans are particularly devastated about Max's exit, and it has left them wondering what is going to happen to the other half of Ballum, Ben's husband Callum Highway.
But a new set of pictures posted on EastEnders' official social pages has gave them hope after Tony Clay - who plays Callum - posed alongside Perry Fenwick, who plays Billy Mitchell.
The pair beamed for the camera in one snap before a second showed them looking at a script.
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The caption read: "We wonder what scene they're reading... #EastEnders."
Eagle-eyed fans immediately jumped on the fact Tony was still wearing Callum's wedding ring on his left hand, giving them hope that Ben will return.
Taking to the comments section, one wrote: "Oh this is lovely. Great to see Callum still in with the Mitchells and still wearing his wedding ring.
"Bring his husband back soon, please. They need each other."
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Another added: "I'm glad to see Tony/Callum still with the Mitchells. Max Bowden has been phenomenal as Ben.
"He's given him such nuance and heart... Max is one of the all-time greats in my opinion. He made the role his own. I hope he can return one day."
A third commented: "Callum still wearing his ring.... Not sure if that's significant, depends when filming."
Meanwhile a fourth shared: "bring max bowden back please callum needs his husband and lexi needs her dad."
In December, The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed that Max, 29, had been told his time on the soap was up after a showdown with bosses.
A TV insider said: “Max has played Ben for the last four years and bosses decided his time on the show was up.
Ben is not a character that they would kill off as we’ve already seen in all the previous recasts.”
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“There has been a lot of noise around him for a bit too long and that can take away from the drama on the show.
"He went in for a meeting as his contract was up for renewal next year.
"No one knew how it was going to go and following discussions it was decided that he would leave.
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THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
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“Bosses have yet to plan his exit storyline but Ben is not a character that they would kill off as we’ve already seen in all the previous recasts.”
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An EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed at the time: “Max will be leaving EastEnders next year. We wish him all the best for the future.”
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.