EastEnders Viewers Call Out 'Embarrassing' Mistake in Divorce Paperwork
Eagle-eyed fans of the BBC soap opera EastEnders have pointed out what they describe as an 'embarrassing' blunder in a recent episode, with only the most attentive viewers likely to have spotted the error. The mistake occurred during a scene involving divorce papers served to character Callum Highway, played by Tony Clay, from his husband Ben Mitchell, portrayed by Max Bowden.
Details of the Glaring Error
In the episode that aired on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, Callum received divorce papers after his relationship with Ben deteriorated while Ben was incarcerated. However, fans quickly noticed a strange and incorrect detail in the paperwork. The documents instructed Callum to 'respond to the email provided by his wife', despite the fact that Callum is gay and was married to a man.
This error sent viewers reeling, with one fan posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, along with a screenshot, exclaiming, 'Your wife? WIFE?' Another fan responded, calling it 'so embarrassing' that such a mistake was left in the final broadcast. The blunder has sparked widespread discussion among the show's audience, highlighting the importance of accuracy in television production.
Background on the 'Ballum' Relationship
Callum and Ben, often dubbed 'Ballum' by fans, have been one of EastEnders' most beloved couples since they first met in 2019. At that time, Callum was in a relationship with Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, but Ben soon realised Callum was attracted to men. Although Callum initially proposed to Whitney, he eventually married Ben in 2021.
Their relationship began to unravel after Ben went to prison, leading Callum to develop feelings for his friend Johnny Carter, portrayed by Charlie Suff. The two started an affair, and when Ben made a brief appearance following the death of Callum's father, he discovered the infidelity and decided to seek a divorce.
EastEnders' Commitment to LGBTQIA Storylines
This storyline is part of EastEnders' ongoing effort to diversify its narrative with more LGBTQIA representation. Back in 2019, actor Tony Clay told Digital Spy that 'Callum may not just be someone that Ben can toy with – there's something there,' hinting at the depth of their relationship.
The show has a history of exploring LGBTQIA themes, including a notable storyline where Syed Masood, played by Marc Elliot, was about to marry a woman when his boyfriend Christian Clarke, portrayed by John Partridge, declared his love. More recently, characters like Eve Unwin, played by Heather Peace, and Suki Panesar, portrayed by Balvinder Sopal, have continued this tradition. Eve and Suki's relationship, which began with animosity, culminated in a marriage in an explosive New Year's episode in 2025.
Additionally, the show has reintroduced Oscar Branning, played by Pierre Moullier, a bisexual character expected to start a relationship with the brother of his ex-girlfriend Jasmine Fisher, portrayed by Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness, upon his arrival on the Square.
The recent blunder in the divorce paperwork has not gone unnoticed, with fans emphasising the need for careful attention to detail, especially in storylines that represent marginalised communities. As EastEnders continues to evolve, such errors serve as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining authenticity on television.
