Billy Mitchell’s (Perry Fenwick) estranged dad Stevie (Alan Ford) is back in EastEnders next week and deals a devastating low blow to his son.

Hollywood icon Ford made his first appearance at the funeral of Aunt Sal Martin (Anna Karen) in January.

The 85-year-old actor, best known for his work in films such as Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, was teased to have a much bigger role than what has transpired.

Billy 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 Sal’s funeral, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) spotted him from afar and later warned that he should stay away from Billy, and from the wake at Peggy’s bar. 

The event was overshadowed by Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) demanding inheritance money from her brother and eventually fleeing the square after exposing his affair with Emma Harding (Patsy Kensit).

However, in upcoming scenes the family are rocked by his arrival at No. 18.

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.

Certainly a far cry from the character we know today!

Jamie’s life was cut short when vengeful Martin Fowler (then James Alexandrou) hit him with his car, jealous of his relationship with Sonia Jackson (Natalie Cassidy).

His death has been referenced by Martin in recent years, calling it ‘the biggest mistake of his life’.

Back in the present day, and later in the week, Honey and Lexi (Isabella Brown) encourage Stevie to try harder if he wants a relationship with his son.

However, a huge twist is incoming when the youngster secretly enlists Stevie’s 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.

Jay was dealt the life changing news last week, and has struggled to understand how their relationship, which was barely sexual, has resulted in her conceiving his child.

Can Stevie redeem himself by helping out the Mitchell family?

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