Get ready, EastEnders fans, because a simmering connection is about to ignite, then spectacularly crash and burn! The BBC One soap is finally confirming what many have suspected: a passionate entanglement between Callum Highway and Johnny Carter. But be warned, this isn’t a fairy tale romance; it’s a journey from sparks to absolute devastation.

This isn’t the first time the show has hinted at something between these two. Remember last year, during a particularly traumatic period for Johnny, when he shared a surprising kiss with Callum? At the time, Callum, who was offering crucial support to Johnny amid Linda’s relapse, pulled away. He made it clear that despite his husband, Ben Mitchell, being behind bars, his commitment to Ben remained unwavering.

Since then, Johnny has moved on, or so it seemed, embarking on a relationship with Felix Baker. In fact, this week’s episodes even see Johnny and Felix planning to move in together – a development that came as quite a shock to Callum, suggesting his feelings for Johnny might not have been as buried as he believed.

However, the universe, or perhaps the EastEnders writers, had other plans. Later in the week, Johnny finds himself spending significant time in Callum’s company. This unexpected closeness doesn’t go unnoticed by Felix, who becomes understandably concerned. And it turns out, Felix’s instincts are spot on. Because, in a moment that will send shockwaves through Walford, Johnny and Callum share a passionate kiss.

What unfolds immediately after that kiss remains under wraps, but we can reveal the devastating aftermath. Felix ultimately discovers the truth about the kiss, and his reaction leaves boss Cindy Beale in a sticky situation. Cindy, dismayed by the fallout, takes her frustrations out on both Johnny and Callum. She berates them in a furious showdown, which, unfortunately, is witnessed by Lexi Pearce.

Confused and seeking answers, young Lexi demands to know what’s going on. Callum, desperate to reassure his daughter, firmly promises her that there is absolutely nothing happening between him and Johnny.

Determined to make good on that promise and perhaps to convince himself as much as Lexi, Callum makes a beeline for The Vic. There, he confronts Johnny, making it clear that their relationship can only be one of friendship.

But this is EastEnders, and things are rarely that simple. Despite Callum’s firm declaration, one thing leads to another. The undeniable chemistry between them proves too strong to resist. They share another kiss, and then, in a shocking turn of events, they take things even further, spending the night together.

The morning after brings a heavy dose of reality and a tidal wave of guilt for Callum. Consumed by the feeling that he has profoundly betrayed Ben, Callum tells Johnny that they simply cannot be together.

Now, the burning questions remain: Is this truly the end of their complicated dance? Or is this just the volatile beginning of something far more intense and forbidden? Will Callum ultimately reaffirm that Ben Mitchell is, and always will be, his one and only?

As viewers know, Ben was jailed last March after being arrested for fraud during a trip to the US. He shared a heartbreaking final heart-to-heart with Callum behind bars before being extradited back to America, where he has been serving his sentence. Callum has visited him on several occasions, consistently dismissing any idea of moving on without Ben. But given this passionate night with Johnny, will the magnetic connection between them prove too powerful for Callum to resist, potentially shattering his commitment to Ben?

Adding another layer of explosive drama to this unfolding saga, it has been widely reported that Ben is set to stage a short comeback later this year, with actor Max Bowden reprising his iconic role. While the specifics of his return are still shrouded in mystery, it undeniably raises one crucial, terrifying question: How will Ben react if and when he learns about Callum and Johnny’s night together? Get ready for fireworks!