Billy’s estranged dad Stevie reveals real reason for his return in EastEnders – and it’s unexpectedly heartbreaking
What does his dad want?
Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) finally sits down and talks with his dad Stevie (Alan Ford) in EastEnders next week – and his motivations for arriving back in Albert Square are surprising.
Despite only appearing on screen for the first time in January, we know from previous dialogue that Stevie’s relationship with his son Billy has been estranged for quite some time.
The Square stalwart grew up in care from the age of ten after Stevie took sole custody of his brother Charlie and the pair last saw each other off-screen over 25 years ago.
At Aunt Sal’s (Anna Karen) funeral, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) spotted him from afar and later warned that he should stay away from his son, and from the wake at Peggy’s bar.
What does his dad want?
This week, the family are shocked when he returns to Walford and shows up at No. 3B.
Stevie tries to turn on the charm offensive but Billy and Phil can see straight through it.
After a tough conversation with Honey (Emma Barton), he builds up the courage to speak with his dad – but it doesn’t go well.
As the two open up about his childhood, Billy’s past with Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder) is brought up.
Long term viewers will remember that Jamie was taken in by Billy after his dad passed away, but Phil had step in when he learnt that he was being badly beaten.
Later in the week, Honey and Lexi (Isabella Brown) will encourage Stevie to try harder if he wants a relationship with his son.
However, a huge twist is incoming when the youngster secretly enlists his help with Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) to urge Nadine Keller (Jazzy Phoenix) to get a DNA test to prove she is pregnant with his baby.
In upcoming scenes, still adamant that her fiancée should make amends with his father, Honey urges Billy to give him a second chance but it’s clear that he wants him nowhere near his family.
However, it’s too late when Stevie bumps into Lex, Will and Janet in the café and tries to get to know them better over lunch.
Hearing about the meeting, Billy storms to The Vic for a confrontation and is later left furious when he spots Will meeting up with his grandad again.
As the situation almost turns violent, Phil advises him to get to know the real reason for his return.
Against his better judgement, the father and son meet for a drink and Stevie admits that he’s a lonely old man who just wants to get to know his family.
It seems the two reconcile, as after their pint, Honey, Will and Janet are left speechless to find that Billy has invited his dad around to their house.
Does Stevie have an ulterior motive?
