EastEnders' Ben Mitchell faces fresh turmoil next week on the BBC soap, as he continues to struggle with his hearing loss.
The character pushes boyfriend Callum Highway away once again, sparking fears it could be over for much loved couple 'Ballum' just as Ben is at his most vulnerable.
Next week, Ben faces a blast from the past as gangster Danny makes his way back to Walford with a proposition for him.
He has no idea Ben recently lost almost all of his hearing during the boat crash, with him keeping this from Danny as much as he can.
But as he gets dragged back into a criminal world, it all falls apart when Danny learns the truth.
Callum tries to encourage Ben to remain stress free ahead of his hospital appointment, but he soon learns about Danny's return.
As Callum steps in to try and help him, concerned what he's up to, it doesn't go down well.
At the appointment Ben is devastated to learn his operation won't be for a few more weeks at least, and that it could have serious complications.
When Callum turns the topic back to Danny, trying to keep Ben out of trouble, this only causes him to rush off.
Ben meets up with Danny again, but when all becomes clear about his hearing - and the fact Callum is involved with the police - things turn sour.
Phil Mitchell's son lashes out at his partner, before drowning his sorrows at The Prince Albert.
He ends up meeting a man named Hugo and the pair grow friendly, only for Ben to steal his car.
He's pulled over by police and arrested, leaving Callum horrified.
Callum's worry turns to heartbreak as Ben's mother Kathy Beale tells him about Hugo and he fears the worst - leading to a difficult decision.
EastEnders airs Mondays and Fridays at 8pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One.
