Max Bowden’s character compared his husband Callum Highway to a famous UK starBen Mitchell had a return to forget on EastEnders(Image: BBC)

EastEnders fans were left ‘floored’ by an ITV series reference amid a ‘heartbreaking’ Ben Mitchell twist.

Not seen in over a year, Max Bowden’s character was previously sent to prison in the United States over credit card fraud.

While he’s been behind bars, Ben’s husband Callum Highway has began having an affair with Johnny Carter after several months of flirting.

With Callum joined by his loved ones, including his brother Stuart Highway, for the funeral of his dad Jonno Highway, the lawyer was left stunned when Ben arrived in a cliffhanger on Monday (October 6).

In scenes aired on Tuesday night (October 7), viewers finally got answers as to how Ben managed to return to Walford in spite of him being sentenced overseas.

It was an awkward reunion for the married couple, with everyone except Ben knowing about Callum and Johnny’s affair.

Ben’s parents Phil and Kathy were thrilled to learn that he was transferred to a UK prison for turning informant on his cellmate and was granted release for the funeral.

With everyone panicking over what to do, Johnny tried to convince Callum to remain quiet about their relationship, but Callum reasoned he had to tell Ben.

Callum Highway and Ben Mitchell broke up on EastEnders(Image: BBC)

After Callum decided to come clean about what happened, Ben broke out into a fight with Johnny, but the biggest blow arrived when he realised his family knew.

In spite of Callum trying to calm him down, Ben declared that their marriage was over, having compared the lawyer a ‘pound shop’ version of ITV star Judge Rinder in a furious outburst.

The episode ended on a sad note as Ben broke down alone in his jail cell after being escorted back to prison by guards.

While EastEnders fans were stunned that Ben and Callum, many took to X, previously known as Twitter, to express their shock at Rob Rinder being mentioned.

@christine6257 said: “The pound shop Judge Rinder!! Loving having Ben back @MaxBowden #EastEnders.” @griefsex added: “pound shop judge rinder LOLLLLLL that was funny #eastenders.”

@CelestialNelly wrote: “Not pound shop judge Rinder. I burst out laughing when I saw Ben‘s reaction to realising that his whole family knew about the affair and didn’t tell him it was quite satisfying.” @megan____77 noted: “I shall be using “pound shop judge rinder” for the foreseeable.”

@ChloeZara11 commented: “WELL THAT BROKE ME. Ben, betrayed by everyone he loves. Callum.. I HATE YOU! Ben is completely heartbroken & all alone.” @sjwhittleton posted: “Hopefully he’ll return and concentrate on being there for Lexie…and find someone else.”