EastEnders star Charlie Suff has teased what’s in store for Johnny Carter (Suff) and Callum Highway (Tony Clay) ahead of Ben Mitchell’s (Max Bowden) return to Albert Square.

Reflecting on Johnny and Callum’s blossoming romance, Suff said: “They both know how they feel about each other, and they know they’ve meant so much to each other over the years, and now they’re crossing over that line.

“It’s very nerve-wracking for Johnny, I think he feels very vulnerable. He’s also very excited. He’s got to slow his horses down a little bit, and they’ve got to go at their own pace. I think he is quietly absolutely over the moon, but is ready to protect himself and protect his vulnerability at the same time.”

While the pair are “head over heels for each other”, the actor noted that Johnny and Callum still have “a lot of baggage to sort out”, considering that “the idea of all the Mitchells ganging up on Johnny is pretty terrifying.”

In upcoming episodes, Johnny and Callum will have several obstacles to face, including the surprise return of Callum’s father, Jonno Highway. After asking his son for money, the villainous Jonno collapses from a heart attack in Thursday’s instalment (11 September), which leads to all sorts of consequences.

As a result of Jonno’s death, EastEnders has confirmed that Ben Mitchell and Stuart Highway will both head home for the funeral, with Ben, who has been serving time in an American prison, intending to reunite with his husband on day release.

Before giving in to his feelings for Johnny, Callum had been fiercely loyal to Ben while he completed his prison sentence abroad. Now that the character has fallen for Johnny, however, he’ll have a lot to figure out.

Speaking about the imminent threat of the Mitchell family, Suff said: “That’s ever-present in his mind. Even though they both understand where they’re at and their feelings for each other are taking hold and taking over, there’s a lot of baggage to sort out between the two of them.

“Johnny just wants to be there for Callum, and for this to be as easy as possible. They very much want to go through it together, but the idea of all the Mitchells ganging up on Johnny is pretty terrifying.”

Teasing future storylines, the TV star noted: “There’s a lot of stuff to come, especially with Ben having a day release. There’s a lot to wade through, but they’re going through it together, and I think they both feel a lot stronger and more complete by each other’s side. There is a lot coming their way.”