Yahoo News EastEnders boss explains why Callum's story changed
EastEnders boss Kate Oates has spoken in-depth about her decision to change the direction of Callum Highway's character.
The BBC soap has been exploring Callum's sexuality in recent months, as he has developed a secret attraction to Ben Mitchell while planning his wedding to Whitney Dean.
This storyline wasn't planned until Oates took control of EastEnders late last year. The former Emmerdale and Coronation Street producer was initially appointed Senior Executive Producer of EastEnders in 2018, before being promoted to the BBC's Head of Continuing Drama.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other media at an EastEnders press event, Oates explained: "Callum struggling with his sexuality wasn't on the cards when I arrived. In fact, on the cards was Halfway and Whitney trying for a baby and that being the struggle.
Related: EastEnders star Patsy Palmer opens up over her return as Bianca Jackson
"I just didn't believe it as much as I might have done, because the dynamic of the relationship felt really strange. That was nothing to do with the actors, who were fantastic and giving these amazing performances.
"But the relationship still felt so new. They felt so young, and I didn't really know why they would want to drive their lives in that direction.
"Callum also just felt like such a blank canvas. There were lots of unanswered questions, which is what Tony Clay and I talked about when we first had a conversation.
"I think Whitney was his first, he'd been in the Army but I didn't understand why he'd left. He's always felt like a bit of a square peg and it just felt like he was somebody who didn't really know fully who he was. Callum was always running away from who he was.
Related: EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin reveals all on Lisa Fowler return and tensions with Phil
"The relationship with his brother I always found really fascinating, because Stuart was such an enormous presence and so unpredictable and had obviously come from a really dark background himself. So Tony and I had a good chat."
Oates continued: "What was really nice about it was we talked a lot about the unanswered questions and Tony felt the same as me.
"What was so nice was that Tony, from the beginning, just went: 'I just want to know more about him and I'm really excited'. He just wanted something really strong to play."
These discussions coincided with the decision to bring back Ben Mitchell, with Max Bowden taking over the role.
Related: EastEnders' wedding week trailer reveals first look at Patsy Palmer's return as Bianca Jackson
Oates added: "To be honest with you, I always thought Ben and Callum might be an interesting couple. When Tony and I had that conversation, I suggested that Callum is not entirely sure about who he is in terms of his sexuality.
"Tony went with it straight away and went: 'Yeah, that makes loads of sense, that would be really interesting'. So that was a relief to me – that I knew he would be up for playing that kind of dynamic.
"Then in the story office we'd always thought that we wanted a new relationship for Ben when we knew we were bringing a different Ben back. We wanted someone really comfortable with his sexuality and a relationship that would challenge him – and being with someone completely different to him would do that.
"So that was the genesis of it, but then working with [executive producer] Jon Sen and with the story team, it's evolved so beautifully."
Related: EastEnders star Stephen Rahman-Hughes admits his shock over Adam's affair
Callum's storyline will take centre stage in a big set of episodes for EastEnders next week, as his dramatic wedding day sees the return of Patsy Palmer as Bianca Jackson.
We'll also see Lisa Fowler make a comeback and Hunter Owen seek revenge following his escape from prison.
EastEnders continues tonight (August 26) at 8pm on BBC One.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our EastEnders homepage
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest EastEnders spoilers, as Mel plans to flee with Hunter, and Callum has something to tell Whitney ahead of their wedding.
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