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157-439: His storylines have focused on being led to believe that his former stepfather Billy Mitchell ( Perry Fenwick ) is his biological father, a friendship with Bobby Beale ( Clay Milner Russell ), being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , reuniting with Theo Hawthorne ( William Ellis ) - a teacher who bullied him, discovering that his biological father is his mother's rapist, Graham Foster ( Alex McSweeney ),

314-465: A fascinator for Janet, as she had her eye on it. When Billy is arrested for the murder of Malcolm Keeble ( Christopher Pizzey ) and needs money to hire a good solicitor , Freddie becomes determined to help him out and gets a job at the local fish and chip shop , having lied to Bobby Beale ( Clay Milner Russell ) that he has lengthy experience. Despite getting off to a bad start, Bobby gives him another chance and Freddie becomes an instant success with

471-410: A balanced picture of what the future will hold for them." In 2010, storylines show Billy receiving a letter from the care home he stayed in as a child, and a character from his past, Julie Perkins ( Cathy Murphy ) arrives in the series. Julie turns Billy's life upside-down and forces him to face some shocking home truths. The storyline was introduced as executive producer Bryan Kirkwood , who took on

628-449: A balanced picture of what the future will hold for them." On 27 May 2014, Honey returned to EastEnders with her children to visit Billy. The character appeared in the episode without any prior publicity to offer viewers an element of surprise, though Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins warned fans via his Twitter account that the episode would feature surprises. Frances Taylor of Digital Spy revealed that Barton had reprised

785-402: A born romantic with a kind nature and a big heart". According to actor Perry Fenwick , it is doubtful that he would have continued with the role if Billy had not "mended his wicked ways". Billy was involved in an abuse storyline with his nephew Jamie ( Jack Ryder ), causing the actor to be "harangued" by strangers in public. In 2006, he commented, "I wouldn't have wanted to stay if Billy had been

942-525: A car and after arguing with Billy, he has sex with Tina Carter ( Luisa Bradshaw-White ), who was driving the car. Billy is sacked for illegally exhuming a grave, and Honey sees Billy and Tina hugging after she supports him. Honey assumes they are having an affair so Billy admits to a one-night stand. Billy and Honey split over it, leaving Billy homeless. Tina's plan for Billy to get Honey drunk, so they might get back together, backfires when she flirts with Jack instead, and when Honey nearly kisses Jack, he in turn

1099-406: A car before giving birth to Will Mitchell (Toby Walpole/Freddie Phillips) and her marriage breakdown and subsequent departure. Since her return, storylines have included a reconciliation with her ex-husband Billy, their daughter, Janet, being the victim of a hit and run, the breakdown of her relationship with Billy for a second time after he cheated on her with Tina Carter ( Luisa Bradshaw-White ),

1256-452: A cheeky charmer" who "lives in the moment". Brazier commented that his character was "not trying to prove himself as a bad boy", and has a lot of "depth to him". The show teased that the now 18-year-old Freddie would arrive to Walford on a "mission that could end in violence", and that he would clash with Billy Mitchell ( Perry Fenwick ), as he was his mother's, Little Mo ( Kacey Ainsworth ), ex-husband. Ainsworth denied speculation that she

1413-527: A couple. Stephen Patterson of Metro reported that Freddie had been "popular" with viewers, writing that Freddie "has proven himself to be one of the kindest souls to ever set foot in Walford, determined to help his nearest and dearest at every given turn". Katherine Heslop of Mirror called the scene where Freddie opens up about Jean about his bullying "moving", reporting that many fans had been "left in tears". The speed in which Freddie achieved an ADHD diagnosis

1570-618: A crush on her. They try and conceal this from Bobby, but his father Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ) exposes them publicly, leading to Bobby and Freddie falling out. In October 2023, Freddie walks in on his former schoolteacher Theo Hawthorne ( William Ellis ) trying to rape Stacey, violently beating him. He accidentally knocks him out and is arrested. After being released on bail, Freddie goes to stay with Little Mo temporarily. On 21 July 2022, EastEnders announced that Freddie Slater would return after 16 years, now being played by Bobby Brazier . The role marked Brazier's acting debut and his character

1727-718: A date with a man who drugs her, and she passes out in the alley. Before anything can happen, Jay scares him off and Honey is taken to hospital. She's supported through her ordeal by Jay, whom she develops feelings for. As they share their first kiss weeks later, Billy walks in horrified, and takes his anger out on Jay. Out of love for Billy, Jay does not pursue a relationship - but Jay eventually admits he would like to be with Honey, but they are overheard by Lola who warns them to tell Billy. When Honey asks to speak to him, he thinks they will get back together, but Honey shuts him down as Jay walks in. When Billy reacts badly, Honey informs him that she has not been married to him for years, and that she

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1884-755: A daughter Janet (Grace) born with Down syndrome . Fenwick filmed his 1000th episode on 6 August 2010, and later his 2000th on 24 September 2022. Billy's other major story lines have seen him involved in criminal activities with both Phil and his brother Grant Mitchell ( Ross Kemp ); working for Steve Owen ( Martin Kemp ); and being blackmailed by Dan Sullivan ( Craig Fairbrass ) to gain leverage against Steve and Phil, leading to Dan kidnapping Mel Owen ( Tamzin Outhwaite ); his complicated relationship with Janine Butcher ( Charlie Brooks ); marrying Little Mo after she overcomes her abusive husband Trevor Morgan ( Alex Ferns );

2041-648: A degree, taking on board that the two have to try and hold together the family as best as they can. He pays for Billy to spend a few months in Canada with Honey and William. When he returns, he admits his feelings for Honey have returned, and drunkenly leaves a voicemail explaining how he feels. Honey comes to Walford and admits she feels the same, and they end up having sex. They decide to take things slow, with Honey moving in with Billy's cousin Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Womack ) and they decide to get engaged. However Honey ends

2198-655: A half-brother Teddy Mitchell ( Roland Manookian ). Billy first arrives on Albert Square in November 1998 to break the news of his brother Charlie 's (Charlie Heptinstall) death, which leaves Charlie's 15-year-old son, Jamie ( Jack Ryder ) orphaned and in Billy's care. Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ), Billy's cousin visits them and soon learns that Jamie has been in minor trouble in the police and that Billy has been taking his anger out on Jamie and violently abusing him. Phil threatens Billy to leave Jamie alone and takes Jamie back to

2355-474: A kid. Billy is shocked to discover Julie fell pregnant with his child in their teens, their son was adopted and is now a grown man. Billy attempts to find his son, Dan Pearce, but is devastated to discover he died of liver failure and that his granddaughter, Lola Pearce ( Danielle Harold ), is in care. Billy visits Lola and they bond. Lola moves in with her grandparents but proves troublesome, and, when Billy continuously overrules Julie's attempts to discipline her,

2512-466: A large UK general hospital who saw all scripts. In relation to some particular points raised, Honey was not denied an epidural – she made the choice to put herself out of reach of communicating effectively with the midwife by locking herself in the bathroom. When the news was broken to Honey and Billy that their baby had Down syndrome, EastEnders has in fact drawn directly from one particular true-life story – and while this may indeed not be best practice it

2669-476: A large UK general hospital who saw all scripts. In relation to some particular points raised, Honey was not denied an epidural — she made the choice to put herself out of reach of communicating effectively with the midwife by locking herself in the bathroom. When the news was broken to Honey and Billy that their baby had Down Syndrome, EastEnders has in fact drawn directly from one particular true-life story — and while this may indeed not be best practice it

2826-400: A large fine, which Jay pays for him. After Janet is hit by a car driven by Tina, Tina comforts Billy and they end up kissing and having sex while Honey is in hospital with Janet. Billy becomes part of a robbery arranged by Aidan Maguire ( Patrick Bergin ), and Billy hides the stolen money in a coffin. Billy exhumes a grave to find the cash but it has been taken. This is caught on CCTV, so Pam

2983-404: A lower lifeform than a worm". It has been noted that when Billy was first introduced, he was a "nasty piece of work". However, Billy underwent a personality change circa 2002 and "became good". It was revealed that Bill's nasty streak was a result of him having been abused and bullied while growing up in a children's home. From then on, Billy was depicted as "clownish and a bit of a loser [...]

3140-434: A member of a football firm led by local gang boss Terry Bates ( Nicholas Ball ). William seems stillborn at first but is resuscitated by medics. Billy and Honey have financial problems and their landlady, Manju Patel ( Leena Dhingra ), decides to evict them. Billy steals charity money to pay the rent and barricades them into the flat but they are evicted at Christmas. They rely on the kindness of friends and relatives until

3297-466: A model. Billy helps her find employment, acting as her manager. Billy and Honey are attracted to each other, and after a period of trepidation, they finally confess their feelings and became a couple in December 2005. The following month, Honey falls pregnant. Overjoyed, Billy proposes and despite initial objections from her father, Jack Edwards ( Nicky Henson ), Honey says yes. When Jack discovers that Honey

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3454-556: A new life in Barnstaple , Devon . Freddie returns to Walford in September 2022, having decided to track down Billy, whom he believes is his father, after having an argument with Little Mo. Billy keeps up the pretence of being his father, to the annoyance of his partner Honey Mitchell ( Emma Barton ), so as not to hurt Freddie. Freddie starts to bond with his assumed half-siblings Janet (Grace) and Will (Freddie Phillips), and even steals

3611-462: A one-night-stand with Bobby's love interest Anna Knight ( Molly Rainford ), attacking Theo when he attempts to rape his cousin Stacey ( Lacey Turner ) and entering into a love triangle with Bobby and Anna. Freddie was conceived in late 2003 when his mother, Little Mo Mitchell ( Kacey Ainsworth ), is raped by her friend, Graham Foster ( Alex McSweeney ). Her refusal to abort the child results in

3768-517: A permanent character later in the year, following Barton's decision to reprise the role full-time following her brief return the year before. Honey made her on-screen return on 12 November 2015. In September 2006, Steve Frost , head producer of EastEnders ' rival soap Coronation Street , publicly branded Honey and the Down's syndrome storyline as "Painful to watch [...] wooden and emotionless – crap." EastEnders' executive producer, Kate Harwood, defended

3925-419: A pillow , but cannot do it. Petal is fostered by Tony ( Enzo Squillino, Jr. ) and Kim Smith (Lorraine Arnold) in December 2006, but the next day, Dr. May Wright ( Amanda Drew ) tells Billy that Petal needs a heart operation. Billy arranges for Petal to be baptised in case she does not survive, and after reading a heartfelt letter from Billy to Petal, Honey decides to keep her daughter after all. She attends

4082-703: A police chase on the Mitchell Brothers that results in them driving into the River Thames ; Phil is rescued while Grant is presumed dead. Following Grant's departure, Phil is shot (see Who Shot Phil? ) by an unknown assailant on the night Steve marries their lover Mel Healy ( Tamzin Outhwaite ). As local chief detective DCI Jill Marsden ( Sophie Stanton ) embarks an investigation on Phil's shooting, Billy clashes with Phil's stepson Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ) and his cousin Mark Fowler ( Todd Carty ) upon learning that

4239-510: A practical joke played on Billy during his stag night. Billy's aunt Peggy Mitchell ( Barbara Windsor ) then arranges a surprise wedding. Billy and Honey have just time enough to complete their vows before Honey goes into labour. She delivers a girl, Janet , but the Mitchells are devastated to discover she has Down syndrome . Honey rejects her baby, she goes into depression, contemplating infanticide , and demands Janet be put up for adoption. Billy

4396-493: A problem there is no one there to support you. Showing something like this is not helpful." Furthermore, Jacob noted that Honey was left alone for a long time to worry about the baby, which appeared rigid, and not floppy, as Down syndrome babies do. In Jacob's opinion, a midwife would have been repeatedly in and out of the room to check on the mother. Additionally, one episode showed a health visitor reprimanding Honey for refusing Down syndrome screening and Karen Reay, director of

4553-487: A problem there is no one there to support you. Showing something like this is not helpful." Furthermore, Jacob noted that Honey was left alone for a long time to worry about the baby, which appeared rigid, and not floppy, as babies with DS do. In Jacob's opinion, a midwife would have been repeatedly in and out of the room to check on the mother. Additionally, one episode showed a health visitor reprimanding Honey for refusing Down syndrome screening and Karen Reay, director of

4710-418: A relationship with Billy. He later proposes to Little Mo by spelling out "MARRY ME" on her plate with alphabet spaghetti , and so they are engaged. When Trevor hears of it, he kidnaps Little Mo and his baby son Sean – intending for all three of them to die in a fire on Halloween night. However, Little Mo manages to escape from the house with Sean and they survive while Trevor is killed in a gas explosion. Despite

4867-419: A relationship with newcomer Honey Edwards ( Emma Barton ), whom he manages during her spell as a model. The relationship prospers, despite initial disapproval from Honey's father Jack ( Nicky Henson ), who takes time to accept Billy. Honey falls pregnant and accepts Billy's marriage proposal. Their wedding is postponed when Honey is hospitalised, they reschedule, however the second ceremony goes awry because of

Freddie Slater - Misplaced Pages Continue

5024-459: A relationship, Honey and the children move back in with Billy after she splits from Adam. Honey kisses Billy on New Year's Eve but he rejects her as he is with Karen. Karen briefly breaks up with Billy when she believes he is in cahoots with Phil over the disappearance of her son Keanu Taylor ( Danny Walters ), but they reconcile when Billy insists he is on her side, not Phil's. Billy realises Honey has bulimia nervosa . The character Billy Mitchell

5181-404: A rift forms and Julie leaves Walford. Lola's announcement that she is pregnant leads to Billy going back to his criminal ways to provide for his great-grandchild —stealing from Janine and trading stolen goods and forgeries for Derek Branning ( Jamie Foreman ). Janine eventually discovers and sacks Billy for his deception. However, she has a change of heart, she reinstates him and allows him to keep

5338-558: A romantic obsession with Lucy Beale ( Hetti Bywater ). He later reunites with Honey, becomes the manager of a funeral parlour from which he is later sacked; sleeps with Tina Carter ( Luisa Bradshaw-White ) which ends his relationship with Honey; a relationship with Karen Taylor ( Lorraine Stanley ), feuding with Jay over his relationship with Honey who he reconciles with after she splits with Jay; struggling to deal with Lola's brain tumour and death; reuniting with his estranged father Stevie Mitchell ( Alan Ford ) and discovering that he has

5495-464: A scene where Freddie gives Billy a pep talk about handling Lola Pearce 's ( Danielle Harold ) cancer, with Rafi Mauro-Benady of MyLondon reporting that it left fans "in tears". His colleague, Dan Wiggins, noticed Freddie was "a big hit amongst fans, with his jokey and kind-hearted manner winning them over in no time". After the friendship between Freddie and Bobby sparked, they were commonly shipped by fans and several viewers predicted they would become

5652-444: A subsequent incident where Little Mo gets raped by Graham Foster ( Alex McSweeney ) and struggling to cope with raising their son Freddie; a feud with Andy Hunter ( Michael Higgs ) and attempting with Minty Peterson ( Cliff Parisi ) to stop Andy from marrying Phil and Grant's sister Sam ( Kim Medcalf ); getting employed by Johnny Allen ( Billy Murray ); having a close friendship with Jase Dyer ( Stephen Lord ) before witnessing

5809-487: A teacher at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said EastEnders presented a "poor picture of midwifery practice". During Janet's birth, Honey was refused an epidural while in pain, and later she was told that her baby had Down syndrome alone, without her partner or family there to support her. Jacob commented, "Women are vulnerable after giving birth and they need support systems in place [...] The person caring for her

5966-486: A teacher at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said EastEnders presented a "poor picture of midwifery practice". During Janet's birth, Honey was refused an epidural while in pain, and later she was told that her baby had Down syndrome alone, without her partner or family there to support her. Jacob commented, "Women are vulnerable after giving birth and they need support systems in place [...] The person caring for her

6123-422: A tidy environment, and set the small bedroom up for Lexi for when she returns home. Eventually, Lola is re-awarded custody of Lexi. Billy is over-protective of Lola when she starts a relationship with Peter Beale ( Ben Hardy ), but eventually becomes friends with him and realises that he is a good man. Peter moves into their flat, but moves out to look after his father when his sister, Lucy Beale ( Hetti Bywater )

6280-591: A tooth on an olive stone. She sees a dentist, Adam Bateman ( Stephen Rahman-Hughes ), which leads to series of dates. Billy is jealous and gives the children sweets because it is bad for their teeth, but it just leads to William vomiting on Honey. Billy later deletes messages from Adam on Honey's phone but she then changes her PIN, saying she will not let Billy spoil her time with Adam, and their relationship continues. Adam starts an affair with Habiba Ahmed ( Rukku Nahar ), and when Habiba's sister Iqra ( Priya Davdra ) learns of this, she tells Honey. Despite knowing about

6437-421: A toxic relationship with her dentist Adam Bateman ( Stephen Rahman-Hughes ) which ended after he had a secret affair with Habiba Ahmed ( Rukku Nahar ) and several other women behind her back, which leaves her with low self esteem and suffering with bulimia . Honey enters into a relationship with Jay Brown ( Jamie Borthwick ), has a friendship with Suki Panesar ( Balvinder Sopal ) in which Suki realises she

Freddie Slater - Misplaced Pages Continue

6594-484: A voicemail message he has left for her, they have sex. Honey discovers that William's modelling contract has not been renewed and decides to move back to Walford. She then opens up to Les Coker ( Roger Sloman ), about not wanting to move too quickly in her relationship with Billy. Honey asks Billy to speak to Ronnie about loaning them some money so she can move into a flat nearby with Janet and William. After Billy reveals why he needs money from her, Ronnie suggests Honey and

6751-505: A while but is always there. He wants to go and find his dad. He finds it frustrating that no-one really wants to give him any answers. He doesn't understand, because he can't comprehend why no-one will and why no-one wants to tell him. He can't get his head around the idea that there might be a reason, he just thinks that everyone else is being unfair and that they're just not taking the time for him". Freddie travelled with Bobby to see Graham, only for Graham to lie and tell Bobby that his absence

6908-437: Is Freddie Slater". Brazier was excited to join the show as, by that point: "Everybody has been so beautiful to me and made settling in easier than I could've hoped. Stepping into the acting world has always been a vision of mine and doing that with EastEnders as a Slater is a blessing, I'm very grateful. [I'm] loving every minute of Freddie so far and can't wait to see what's in store for him in Walford". Clenshaw added that Brazier

7065-577: Is a date and confesses his love, however Honey reveals that she wants to move to Canada for a year and take the children. Billy vows to stop her, he destroys Janet's passport and abducts her and William, but Phil convinces him to return. Honey agrees to let Janet stay with him while she takes William. She returns again to visit Billy the next year, and goes back to his flat to see Janet, but discovers Billy has stolen items in his flat (which he had moved for his cousin Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Womack ). He convinces her that he has changed, and after she listens to

7222-573: Is a lesbian after she develops an unrequited crush on Honey, reunites with Billy after breaking up with Jay, and supports Billy’s granddaughter Lola Pearce ( Danielle Harold ) through her terminal brain tumour. Honey is introduced in November 2005, employed by Yolande Trueman ( Angela Wynter ) as a "honey trap" to see if her husband Patrick ( Rudolph Walker ) is willing to commit adultery. Honey causes confusion by mistaking Billy Mitchell ( Perry Fenwick ) for Patrick, but truth prevails, and Honey and Billy become friends. Honey has aspirations to become

7379-436: Is a ruse, set up by Terry as revenge on Jase; Jase is stabbed and killed. Honey is devastated to learn that Billy was indirectly involved in the incident that led to Jase's death, particularly when she discovers that instead of trying to rescue Jase, Billy hid in the bathroom in fear. She is further incensed to discover that Billy has kept Jase's "blood money". She throws Billy out, only agreeing to take him back when Billy donates

7536-489: Is arranged as a surprise by Peggy Mitchell ( Barbara Windsor ). Honey is heavily pregnant and goes into labour, during the ceremony. As Billy leans in for a kiss after they are pronounced husband and wife, Honey reveals that her waters have broken. Honey gives birth to a girl, Janet (named after Honey's mother), but her happiness is short-lived when she discovers that Janet has Down's syndrome . Devastated, Honey rejects her baby, changing her name to Petal, as she does not have

7693-413: Is attacked by Billy, who then tells Honey that their relationship is special and he wants to get back together, but she vomits because of the alcohol. All attempts to reconcile fail, because she cannot forgive him for cheating on her. Honey struggles to pay her rent, so she, Janet and William move in to a house share with Billy. Billy cooks Honey a special dinner hoping it will start a reunion, but she cracks

7850-406: Is confronted by Lee Carter ( Danny Hatchard ), Tina Carter ( Luisa Bradshaw-White ) and Tosh Mackintosh (Rebecca Scroggs) because Lee saw him arguing with Lucy on the night she was murdered. Billy lies about it and says he was working at the fish and chip shop and Lucy was frustrated with having to wait for her chips, causing the argument. Billy tells Phil that Lucy knew he was stealing fish from

8007-449: Is forced to sack Billy. Billy tells Honey he got a pay rise but Tina urges him to tell her the truth; Honey sees them hugging and then tells Billy she knows what he is going to tell her, thinking they are having an affair. Billy admits to a one-night stand with Tina and the next day, he discovers Honey has cut up all his clothes. When Tina's sister, Shirley Carter ( Linda Henry ), sees Billy and Honey talking, she assumes Honey found out Tina

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8164-499: Is happy with Jay. Actress Emma Barton was chosen to play Honey Edwards in September 2005, after a successful screen test with Perry Fenwick. Barton commented, "I can’t wait to join EastEnders and play Honey. She’s a really sweet girl, who always wants to do the best for everyone but she’s not exactly the brightest star in the sky." Barton was axed from the show in April 2008. The character

8321-408: Is improving. Honey and Billy are burgled and their wedding fund and Janet's Christmas gift of a tablet computer are stolen, so Billy vows to build Janet a doll's house. They later move into the flat above the funeral parlour. Billy is then offered a partnership in the business, which he accepts. However, he struggles with the accounts and is visited by HMRC representatives who tell him that he could face

8478-486: Is just the beginning of the story". On 16 May 2023, the show teased that Theo would return to the show, now suspecting Freddie has undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , arriving to give him a referral card for an ADHD specialist. In June 2023, Freddie was officially diagnosed with ADHD and Brazier teased that "history" would be made for his character. In July 2023, the show revealed that Freddie would meet his father, Graham Foster ( Alex McSweeney ), against

8635-542: Is killed in the ensuing explosion; Billy later accompanies Mel in arranging and then attending at Steve's funeral. Eventually, Billy falls for local resident Janine Butcher ( Charlie Brooks ) – even though she is only interested in his money. Janine dumps Billy after he runs out of money, he nevertheless helps her deal with some mental health issues – which leads Janine to hope for a reconciliation with Billy. However, he turns her down after developing romantic feelings for his colleague Little Mo Morgan ( Kacey Ainsworth ) when

8792-437: Is murdered (see Who Killed Lucy Beale? ). However, Peter and Lola continue their relationship. Billy is delighted when Honey returns with Janet and William, and he thinks she wants to reunite with him. He is devastated to learn that Honey wants to move to Canada with their children. In the end, she decides to take just William, leaving Janet in Billy's care. Billy gets a job working for undertaker Les Coker ( Roger Sloman ). He

8949-425: Is not a best-practice model. However, neither is it an unrealistic situation. BBC researchers and scriptwriters have based the scenes on conversations with families who have children with Down Syndrome, and the scenes have struck a chord with thousands of our parent members across the country. Some health professionals hold outdated or prejudiced views about people with Down Syndrome that prevent them from giving parents

9106-427: Is not a best-practice model. However, neither is it an unrealistic situation. BBC researchers and scriptwriters have based the scenes on conversations with families who have children with Down's syndrome, and the scenes have struck a chord with thousands of our parent members across the country. Some health professionals hold outdated or prejudiced views about people with Down Syndrome that prevent them from giving parents

9263-404: Is opposed, but, after agonising over the decision, eventually consents. After Janet is taken into foster care, she has a health scare and is hospitalised – forcing Honey to acknowledge she loves her baby and so Janet is brought home. Honey falls pregnant again and William Mitchell is born. His birth is traumatic, as Honey goes into labour after being caught in a violent siege: she is assaulted by

9420-500: Is pregnant, he tries to persuade her to abort her unborn child, convinced that she would share the same fate as her mother. Not wanting to lose Honey, Billy insists that she enquire about an abortion but a check-up reveals that Honey does not have the same heart defect as her mother, so there is no danger of her dying of the same cause. Honey is furious with Jack for making her so unnecessarily fearful about her health all her life, and chastises him for not getting her heart checked when she

9577-556: Is questioned for his involvement with Lucy as it finally transpired he was arguing with her on the night of her death. However, he was not with her around the time of her murder at all, so he is cleared. Billy is later revealed to be one of very few people who were aware that Kathy Sullivan ( Gillian Taylforth ) was still alive. When Lucy's murder investigation starts to come around to questioning Jay and Ben, he panics over Jay's intention to leave Walford following Phil's attempts to hand in Ben to

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9734-469: Is repeatedly referred to as a nurse in the episode but there is no way that a nurse would be in charge after birth. The midwife would also have been open and honest and said 'We need to get the baby checked out and we will get your partner' [...] What the soaps do is set scenes which prompt people to talk about things which are affecting their lives. We are concerned people will wrongly think this Down syndrome story shows what really happens, and that if you have

9891-471: Is repeatedly referred to as a nurse in the episode but there is no way that a nurse would be in charge after birth. The midwife would also have been open and honest and said 'We need to get the baby checked out and we will get your partner' [...] What the soaps do is set scenes which prompt people to talk about things which are affecting their lives. We are concerned people will wrongly think this Down’s syndrome story shows what really happens, and that if you have

10048-459: Is revealed that Honey and the children are now living with Honey's father, Jack. In May 2010, it is mentioned that Honey and Jack have been involved in a car crash, and Billy is given temporary custody of Janet and William. Jack dies and Honey is left in a critical condition. It is then revealed that Honey has recovered, and has resumed custody of Janet and William. Honey brings the children to visit Billy and asks to meet up with him. Billy assumes it

10205-569: Is revealed to be Phil's son, Ben Mitchell (Joshua Pascoe). Thus, Phil gains temporary custody of Lexi. He is even supportive when Lola runs away with Lexi, and tells her that he is the selfish one for sticking by the three times a week access rules. Billy persuades Phil to let Lexi stay over at their flat once or twice a week. He says that he is happy with that, but Trish is still unsure whether Lola should be alone with Lexi. Lola sets up her own business, doing manicures and pedicures, which she seems to enjoy. She and Billy make an effort to keep their flat

10362-406: Is rushed to hospital where she gives birth to a boy, who initially appears stillborn , but is resuscitated, and is named William after his father. The Mitchells are happy until December 2007, when their landlady, Manju Patel ( Leena Dhingra ), threatens to evict them. Billy is unable to raise their rent money and despite attempts to barricade themselves in the flat, Mrs. Patel evicts them, leaving

10519-496: Is too scared of his injuries to go to him. Billy then rents a room in a house with Jay and Donna Yates ( Lisa Hammond ). Donna later moves away. Honey begins dating Adam Bateman ( Stephen Rahman-Hughes ), much to Billy's jealousy. Lola and Lexi return to Walford and move in with Billy and Jay. Billy becomes suspicious that Adam is cheating on Honey, but she is in denial and stays with her partner. Billy gets involved with Karen Taylor ( Lorraine Stanley ). Shortly after they commit to

10676-513: Is widely known as Honey, though the character's "real" name is Susan, which is sometimes used in the series. A relationship between Honey and Billy quickly developed in late 2005 and, within two months, an upcoming baby had been written into the characters' narratives, with Honey announcing she was pregnant in January 2006. The pregnancy was the start of an ongoing storyline about Down's syndrome (DS) as, in September 2006, Honey and Billy's baby Janet

10833-505: Is worth saying that good drama does not necessarily come from best practice." Despite the BBC's "extensive search" to cast a real Down baby for the birth episodes, they were unable to do so, resulting in the shots of the newborn baby being less authentic and limited. The BBC added, "In the coming weeks Honey and Billy's child will be played by a baby with Down Syndrome. It is worth noting that EastEnders has received incredibly positive feedback from

10990-473: Is worth saying that good drama does not necessarily come from best practice." Despite the BBC's "extensive search" to cast a real baby with Down syndrome for the birth episodes, they were unable to do so, resulting in the shots of the newborn baby being less authentic and limited. The BBC added, "In the coming weeks Honey and Billy's child will be played by a baby with Down Syndrome. It is worth noting that EastEnders has received incredibly positive feedback from

11147-478: The Sky+ was made for." The scenes in which Honey was attacked were subject to heavy criticism in 2007, with Ofcom receiving 78 complaints from viewers about the level of violence displayed, and concerns for the safety of her baby. The media regulatory body stated that: "In Ofcom's view the violence was not appropriately limited for this time of the evening when many children are available to view television." EastEnders

11304-557: The Slater family household with Little Mo, his great-grandmother Big Mo ( Laila Morse ), his grandfather Charlie ( Derek Martin ) and second cousin Stacey Slater ( Lacey Turner ). In February and March 2006, Freddie causes Little Mo much stress by crying a lot. He takes a trip to the park with Little Mo, Jane Collins ( Laurie Brett ) and Bobby Beale (Kevin Curran), where Bobby pokes him in

11461-423: The "perfect" Janet she had wanted. Honey and Billy go to a support group for parents of children with Down syndrome, but this depresses Honey further. She breaks down and destroys Petal's nursery, admitting to Billy that she wants to put Petal up for adoption. Billy is against this and their relationship suffers as a result. Honey tries, but cannot accept her baby and at her lowest ebb, considers smothering Petal with

11618-501: The Best EastEnders characters of all time, calling him a "Perpetual loser in life and love" who is portrayed "superbly" by Fenwick. In 2024, following the scenes where Billy discusses how his father neglected him, Chloe Timms from Inside Soap wrote "Perry Fenwick has been out of this world. Brilliant stuff!". The character of Billy Mitchell has been spoofed in the cartoon sketch show 2DTV . Billy appears in series 2 of

11775-467: The Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors' Association called the episode "insensitive and patronising". She added that the episode contained "glaring anomalies", giving new mothers a "fictitious and misleading" view of health visitors, which could "damage relationships with health professionals". The BBC responded by saying, " EastEnders has undertaken a great deal of research to script

11932-467: The Community Practitioners’ and Health Visitors’ Association called the episode "insensitive and patronising". She added that the episode contained "glaring anomalies", giving new mothers a "fictitious and misleading" view of health visitors, which could "damage relationships with health professionals". The BBC responded by saying, " EastEnders has undertaken a great deal of research to script

12089-597: The Down Syndrome Association following the first few episodes, whom we are continuing to work with very closely." Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down Syndrome Association, has confirmed that 40% of parents whose babies were diagnosed after birth were given no written or practical information about the condition, and 11% were told, as Honey was, by a midwife rather than a paediatrician: "The way in which Billy and Honey have learnt of their baby's disability, and their subsequent support from their health professionals,

12246-533: The Down's Syndrome Association following the first few episodes, whom we are continuing to work with very closely." Carol Boys, chief executive of the Down's Syndrome Association, has confirmed that 40% of parents whose babies were diagnosed after birth were given no written or practical information about the condition, and 11% were told, as Honey was, by a midwife rather than a paediatrician: "The way in which Billy and Honey have learnt of their baby's disability, and their subsequent support from their health professionals,

12403-477: The Mitchell brothers. Billy works at Steve's club, E20 , and is given a 1% share of the club for his services; though he is left torn between his loyalties to his family and Steve himself. After learning that Phil and Grant plan to do a robbery that is set to be botched, Billy alerts their sister Sam Mitchell ( Danniella Westbrook ) and her boyfriend Beppe di Marco ( Michael Greco ) about their plans – which sparks

12560-517: The affair, Honey continues her relationship with Adam due to the fear of being unhappy. As part of a "wife swap" event in Walford, doctor Ash Kaur ( Gurlaine Kaur Garcha ) stays with Honey for a few days. During her time with Honey, Ash notices symptoms of an eating disorder , and confronts her on it. Honey reveals that she began dealing with it in her teens, but it became manageable when she had kids. However, it reappeared when she began seeing Adam, and Ash tells her to seek professional help. Also during

12717-700: The association. The storyline was developed with characterisation in mind. Some characters, such as Peggy Mitchell , were shown to respond negatively towards the DS baby, views that were included so that the positive aspects could be voiced by the "more enlightened characters". The programme makers' main priority was to show the reality of having a child with the condition, "with all of its positives and negatives" and to "create awareness among thousands of people who know very little about Down's syndrome, who might have out-dated or prejudiced views." EastEnders took advice from DS organisations and families of DS people throughout. Care

12874-640: The association. The storyline was developed with characterisation in mind. Some characters, such as Peggy Mitchell , were shown to respond negatively towards the baby, views that were included so that the positive aspects could be voiced by the "more enlightened characters". The programme makers' main priority was to show the reality of having a child with the condition, "with all of its positives and negatives" and to "create awareness among thousands of people who know very little about Down syndrome, who might have out-dated or prejudiced views." EastEnders took advice from DS organisations and DS families throughout. Care

13031-500: The baptism and informs the vicar that the baby's name is Janet. Janet's operation is a success, and Honey begins to bond with her. In March 2007, Honey discovers she is pregnant again. Billy is apprehensive, fearing that they might love the new baby more than Janet, but Honey soon reassures him and they look forward to the arrival of the second baby. However, in November 2007, Honey is knocked down whilst trying to stop Jase Dyer ( Stephen Lord ) being attacked, sending her into labour. She

13188-732: The bathroom, too afraid to help Jase. Not realising this, Jay hails Billy a hero for trying to rescue his father. Billy breaks down and confesses his cowardice to Honey, revealing that he kept some of Jase's money, allegedly to give to now orphaned Jay. Honey is incensed, she threatens to leave Billy but reconsiders on condition he never lies to her again. Billy does lie and keeps some of Jase's money, telling Honey he has donated it to charity. Honey subsequently ends their marriage and takes her children to live with her father, leaving Billy alone and depressed. Billy visits Jay at his foster home and agrees to foster him, but problems arise when Nick Cotton ( John Altman ) blackmails Billy, threatening to tell Jay

13345-428: The break down of her marriage to Billy Mitchell ( Perry Fenwick ). Little Mo stays with her sister, Belinda Peacock ( Leanne Lakey / Carli Norris ), where she gives birth to Freddie. In November 2004, after Graham is sentenced to eight years imprisonment , Little Mo and Billy make another attempt at their marriage, but they separate again after Billy admits that he is struggling to accept Freddie. Freddie then lives at

13502-499: The character's personality altered, the reception to his character improved. Fenwick adds, " Now it's great — people really like Billy and shout out: "All right, Billy boy, how's it going?". According to Methven, "The turning point for Billy's popularity came when viewers learned his nasty streak was a result of him having been abused and bullied while growing up in a children's home" In 2020, Sara Wallis and Ian Hyland from The Daily Mirror placed Billy 49th on their ranked list of

13659-706: The characters was released on 17 May 2024. The series was filmed in a vlog style and followed the lives of the pair living in Mo's caravan prior to returning. It also offered a glimpse into Freddie's experiences with ADHD. Freddie was revealed to return "on a mission" to reignite Kat and Alfie's relationship, and that he would live in Alfie's flat. After the character's first appearance of his reintroduction, Laura Denby of Radio Times called Brazier's debut acting role "promising", adding that "it feels inevitable that Freddie will soon steal our hearts". Brazier received praise on social media for

13816-493: The children move in with her and her son, Matthew Mitchell Cotton , so that she is no longer alone. Honey agrees to this and they move in the following day. Honey and Billy soon get engaged again. Honey is horrified to learn that Jay Brown ( Jamie Borthwick ), who lives with her and Billy, has been dealing drugs and that Billy knew this, evicting them both. She later forgives Billy and agrees to help Jay. Honey and Billy catch Jay stealing their wedding fund, so Honey reports Jay to

13973-609: The chip shop, which is the real reason for the argument. Phil tells Tina, Tosh and Lee that Lucy was trying to take money from the till, and convinces them not to tell Ian. Billy realises his fingerprints are in Tina and Tosh's kitchen, where Lucy's blood and earring were found, as he was also stealing food, so he tries to clean them up, but Tosh catches him. Tosh and Lee then decide to go to the police. Then, babysitter Pam Coker ( Lin Blakley ) discovers photographs of Lucy behind Billy's fridge. Billy

14130-502: The comedic side to the character. He has said, "I just ask them to keep it light and shade. I LOVE the comedy side of Billy but there's a sad side to him, too. He's like a little lost soul who is always beaten up and knocked down but he never gives up. He reminds me of Norman Wisdom ." The character Honey Edwards ( Emma Barton ) was introduced in November 2005. Her pregnancy was the start of an ongoing storyline about Down syndrome (DS) as, in September 2006, Honey and Billy's baby Janet

14287-447: The condition." In 2006, EastEnders pledged that they intended for Billy and Honey's baby to grow up as any other baby would in the soap; however, it has been noted that the plot is dependent on the actors involved, and other practical problems that could arise. EastEnders pledged to make every effort to portray "a positive image of a family who have a baby with the condition." The episodes received criticism for inaccuracy. Sue Jacob,

14444-447: The condition." In 2006, EastEnders pledged that they intended for Billy and Honey's baby to grow up as any other baby would in the soap; however, it has been noted that the plot is dependent on the actors involved, and other practical problems that could arise. EastEnders pledged to make every effort to portray "a positive image of a family who have a baby with the condition." The episodes received criticism for inaccuracy. Sue Jacob,

14601-435: The council rehouses them. Desperate for money, Billy takes a job as a getaway driver for Jase Dyer ( Stephen Lord ), believing they are stealing money from Terry Bates, the leader of the firm responsible for hurting Honey. The job is a set-up, and Terry takes Jase's son Jay Brown ( Jamie Borthwick ) hostage in their absence. Assisted by Billy, Jay escapes but Jase is killed by Terry in the ensuing fight, while Billy hides in

14758-504: The couple, who married in the serial the day of Janet's birth. The Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) worked with EastEnders on the storyline. Their medical advisers were consulted about possible health problems that Billy and Honey's baby might encounter. According to the DSA in 2006, DS people are under-represented on mainstream television and EastEnders helped to redress that imbalance. The DSA used their influence to change certain elements of

14915-462: The couple, who married in the serial the day of Janet's birth. The Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) worked with EastEnders on the storyline. Their medical advisers were consulted about possible health problems that Billy and Honey's baby might encounter. According to the DSA in 2006, people with DS are under-represented on mainstream television and EastEnders helped to redress that imbalance. The DSA used their influence to change certain elements of

15072-407: The coupling of Billy and Honey as akin to Billy and his former wife in the serial Little Mo Mitchell , saying "It's Billy and Little Mo all over again. Two dim-witted people, week-in, week-out, making lots of mistakes and getting the wrong end of the stick with farcical consequences. Everyone else is doing Brecht-lite, they're doing Terry & June [...] They're what the fast-forward 30x option on

15229-422: The customers. Freddie initially lives with his aunt, Kat Slater ( Jessie Wallace ) and her fiancé, Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ) but after Phil tells him that Billy is not his father, a rift develops between them and he moves in with Stacey and her family, eventually joined by Kat's ex-husband, Alfie Moon ( Shane Richie ). Billy explains to Freddie that while it is true he is not his father, he wishes that he

15386-452: The direction of his dad". Brazier detailed that another factor in Freddie's newfound desire to meet his biological father was his friendship with Alfie Moon ( Shane Richie ), explaining: "Seeing Alfie, who has kind of taken on that male role model for Freddie as someone he can trust and take shelter on, being such a great dad to his boys, it triggers something in Freddie that hasn't come up for

15543-594: The engagement when she discovers that Jay has been drug dealing and that Billy knew about it. Billy manages to convince Honey to give him another chance. Honey does so but on the condition they help Jay together, but they later catch him stealing their wedding fund from Janet's piggy bank, leading Honey to call the police. Jay is arrested but released a day later. When Honey discovers that Jay staying with them may result in Janet and Will being taken into care, Jay moves out. When Pam and Les decide to leave Walford, Les appoints Billy as

15700-471: The entire family homeless before Christmas. They are forced to rely on relatives and friends for accommodation, before being rehoused at Walford Towers. Money becomes an issue for the Mitchells again in August 2008. Desperate, Billy takes a job as a getaway driver for Jase, who is in league with Terry Bates ( Nicholas Ball ), the man responsible for the pub riot that caused Honey an injury the year before. The job

15857-527: The first anniversary of their marriage, Little Mo is raped by her friend Graham Foster ( Alex McSweeney ) – which angers Billy. She discovers she is pregnant as a result of the assault and Billy presses her to have an abortion . However, Little Mo refuses and leaves Walford to clear her head – returning with baby Freddie to see Graham convicted of rape. Billy and Little Mo reunite, but their marriage eventually ends after he admits to being unable to love Freddie due to comparing him with Graham. Later, Billy starts

16014-412: The forehead with a stick, and so Freddie is taken to hospital. However, the incident results in a visit from a health visitor. Little Mo thinks that the health visitor is accusing her of abusing Freddie and becomes angry and hostile. Little Mo struggles to cope with Freddie when he begins teething . In May 2006, Freddie is rushed to hospital, seriously ill with bleeding on the brain . A few days before

16171-601: The hospital admission, Little Mo admits to her boyfriend Oliver Cousins ( Tom Ellis ), who is also a GP , that she sometimes gets very irritated with Freddie when he cries. When Oliver hears that Freddie's injury must have been caused by shaking or rough handling, he admits what Little Mo has told him to a paediatrician , Briony Campbell ( Rae Hendrie ), at the hospital. While the hospital believes that Little Mo may have shaken her son, Little Mo suspects that ten-year-old Ben Mitchell (Charlie Jones) may have hurt him in some way, as they were left unsupervised together just before

16328-440: The incident. Little Mo confronts Ben and shakes him in irritation when he tries to run away. After extensive tests at the hospital, it is discovered that Freddie has a temporary low platelet count, due to an infection, meaning that any minor injury could hurt him badly, as his blood is not clotting properly. Little Mo is no longer suspected of hurting her son. Freddie leaves Walford on 26 May 2006 with Little Mo, who wants to start

16485-526: The items he ordered for Lola's baby. Billy grows tired of Lola's troublesome behaviour and gives her a curfew and electronic tag After which he can focus on being an Olympic Torch bearer , of which he learnt several months earlier. Billy successfully carries the torch and witnesses the birth of his great-granddaughter, Lexi Pearce . Billy and Lola are devastated when Lexi is taken into temporary foster care, as Lola's social worker, Trish Barnes (Tessa Churchard), does not think that they are coping. Lexi's father

16642-451: The latter's brutal death at the hands of his gang boss Terry Bates ( Nicholas Ball ); becoming the guardian of Jase's son Jay Brown ( Jamie Borthwick ) up to the point of becoming his surrogate father; starting a short-lived romance with Jean Slater ( Gillian Wright ); reuniting with his former girlfriend Julie Perkins ( Cathy Murphy ) and discovering that their deceased son had a daughter Lola Pearce ( Danielle Harold ); and developing

16799-474: The money to charity. Honey tells Billy she will take him back if he promises never to lie again. Billy does so, but when Honey discovers that Billy still has some of Jase's money, she decides that she can no longer trust him. She ends her marriage and leaves Walford with their children on 2 September 2008. Honey tells Billy that she will never stop him seeing the kids because she does not want to see them suffer because of their father's mistakes. In September 2008, it

16956-494: The money. In light of Dan's departure and Mel's kidnapping ordeal, Billy finds himself further embroiled in Phil and Steve's rivalry – up to the point where they each deem him distrustful. Their feud ultimately ends with Steve kidnapping Phil's infant daughter Louise to flee Walford with Mel and exact his last-ditch revenge. When Billy learns about this, he informs Phil and the latter manages to rescue Louise after Steve crashes his car and

17113-521: The new manager of the funeral parlour. Despite initial problems, Billy eventually settles into his new role. Upon advice from Pam, Billy gives Jay a job in the funeral parlour. Pam and Les leave and Billy begins managing the parlour. However, unbeknownst to Billy, Jay secretly steals money from the undertakers to pay his drug dealers. He later follows this up by stealing jewellery from a corpse. However, he returns these saying he took them to be cleaned professionally, leading Billy to believe that Jay's behaviour

17270-407: The pair had separate motives for the crime. He also gets in a fight with Jamie over his ability to manage Phil's business, but is overpowered and forced to submit to his nephew's demand to be left alone. Soon afterwards, Phil discharges himself from hospital and frames his friend-turned-enemy Dan Sullivan ( Craig Fairbrass ) for the crime – even though his ex-girlfriend Lisa Fowler ( Lucy Benjamin )

17427-553: The pair worked together in a cleaning company. As they bond, Billy confines to her about his past: he was physically abused by staff of a children's home in which he resided as a kid. She comforts him over his past ordeal, particularly when Ernie Johnson ( John Junkin ) – one of his former abusers – reappears in Walford as a pensioner. Billy later breaks into Ernie's home to confront him over the abuse, shaming him into moving away for good. Shortly afterwards, Billy uses his experience with confronting his demons to make amends with Jamie over

17584-408: The pair's commonality to him. Billy ends up confiding to Dan about Mel sleeping with Phil before marrying Steve, which leads to him kidnapping Mel, holding her hostage, and asking for a £200,000 ransom. When Steve and Phil learn about this, they confront Billy about allowing Dan to get leverage over them. Billy manages to help Steve and Phil rescue Mel, but they fail to stop Dan from fleeing Walford with

17741-407: The police and he decides to move out so that Janet and William will not go into care. Honey comforts Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen ) when his wife Ronnie and her sister Roxy Mitchell ( Rita Simons ) drown on Ronnie and Jack's wedding day. Billy and Honey move into the flat above the funeral parlour where Billy works, and he is made a partner in the business. Honey is devastated when Janet is hit by

17898-488: The police thinking he did it, which disgusts Billy that Phil would betray his family. He attempts to distance himself from Phil but ends up doing exactly the same thing to Jay in a desperate attempt to keep Lola on the square when he discovers she was ready to leave Walford with him. Lola leaves on her own eventually feeling she has to try and break out and make something of herself that she won't be able to do in Walford, leaving him heartbroken. Later Billy reconciles with Phil to

18055-408: The role earlier in 2010, wanted Billy to have a storyline that was not connected to existing characters. Fenwick said the storyline was an acting challenge with plenty of twists and turns, and said "it's given me the chance to let go and be a little bit nutty." In June 2011, it was announced that Danielle Harold had joined the cast, playing Julie and Billy's 15-year-old granddaughter Lola Pearce . It

18212-413: The role on a temporary basis. Kilkelly later revealed that Honey's return involves her informing Billy of her plans to move overseas. But Billy is unwilling to let her take his children away. A spokesperson told him that Billy will stop at nothing to keep his family nearby, but will his next move make everything worse?" On 6 September 2015, it was announced that Honey would be returning to EastEnders as

18369-569: The role was extended by "coincidence and chance": "I was offered four episodes and here I am, about 800 later. [...] Ross Kemp ( Grant ) said that he was leaving, and there was a gap in the Mitchell family , so they brought me back to do stuff towards his leaving. After that they offered me a year." Billy was reintroduced in 1999, making recurring appearances. He was involved in the leaving storyline of Grant Mitchell in October 1999, before returning later in

18526-476: The scripts that they were unhappy with, such as persuading them to change the way Billy and Honey were told of their baby's diagnosis; however, they had no influence over the characters' reactions or the plot in general. For the first two weeks after Janet's diagnosis, the DSA provided a helpline for worried parents or anyone wanting advice about DS. EastEnders also provided a link to the DSA website from theirs, to ensure that people looking for information could find

18683-476: The scripts that they were unhappy with, such as persuading them to change the way Billy and Honey were told of their baby's diagnosis; however, they had no influence over the characters' reactions or the plot in general. For the first two weeks after Janet's diagnosis, the DSA provided a helpline for worried parents or anyone wanting advice about DS. EastEnders also provided a link to the DSA website from theirs, to ensure that people looking for information could find

18840-428: The second episode on 23 July 2012. Billy has been described by Nicola Methven, TV editor of The Mirror , as one of EastEnders' most popular characters. According to actor Perry Fenwick, Billy was initially unpopular with a proportion of viewers for his abusive antics on-screen. In 2006, Fenwick commented, "In the beginning it was all old ladies having a go at me, and young girls who fancied Jack Ryder". However, when

18997-455: The show was when he kissed Bobby. Clenshaw was "delighted" to reintroduce the characters, promising that they would be "thrust into the heart of the drama". Brazier teased his return, detailing that: "Freddie comes back with Mo, and you know what Mo's like... you know what Freddie's like, and them two together... carnage". In the lead-up to Freddie and Mo's returns, a six-part spin-off social media mini-series titled The Point of Mo Return starring

19154-505: The spin-off series EastEnders: E20 . Honey Mitchell Honey Mitchell (also Edwards ) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders , played by Emma Barton . She made her first appearance in the show on 22 November 2005. Barton was axed from the show in April 2008, and the character left the show on 2 September 2008. Barton briefly reprised the role of Honey in 2014, appearing from 27 May to 6 June 2014; however, it

19311-563: The square to live with him. While trying to settle himself in Walford, Billy becomes involved in criminal scams with Phil and his brother Grant Mitchell ( Ross Kemp ). However, Billy's relatives see him as little more than a lackey – up to the point where he is frequently denounced an embarrassment to the Mitchell name. Billy soon finds an ally in Grant's business partner Steve Owen ( Martin Kemp ), who hires Billy as an errand boy in numerous criminal activities – including drug-dealing – to antagonize

19468-405: The storyline of Billy and Honey giving birth to their baby daughter. EastEnders takes enormous care with its research and takes advice from experts in the given field. In addition, for this particular storyline EastEnders talked to numerous families with children who have Down Syndrome. Some of their experiences were depicted in these early episodes. Also closely involved was a senior midwife from

19625-405: The storyline of Billy and Honey giving birth to their baby daughter. EastEnders takes enormous care with its research and takes advice from experts in the given field. In addition, for this particular storyline EastEnders talked to numerous families with children who have Down syndrome. Some of their experiences were depicted in these early episodes. Also closely involved was a senior midwife from

19782-452: The storyline would feature his first ever crying scene, which he described as "a great experience". He also admitted "I was filming with Freddie's Nanny Jean and we were sat on the sofa afterwards, and it took us a minute to shake off the tears and sadness, it's interesting as I've mainly been doing comedy, but soon we're going to see some emotion from Freddie". After Freddie was triggered by Jean ( Gillian Wright ) insulting his intelligence,

19939-421: The storyline, saying "We had incredible feedback on our Down's storyline. Fans were moved." Grace Dent , television critic for The Guardian , described the trio of "doomed weddings" between Billy and Honey in 2006 as an excuse to watch other television programmes "without ever feeling adrift from the Walford gossip [...] It was like Groundhog Day in a Pronuptia showroom. After a series of unfortunate events,

20096-520: The swap, Iqra stays with Adam, where she finds out that he is seeing other woman behind Honey's back. Honey exposes Adam in the Queen Vic , before kicking him out of their flat after he mocks her bulimia, leading to her attacking him with a recycling box. For several weeks afterwards, Honey struggles with her bulimia, and eventually decides she must leave Walford and move in with her aunt while she seeks treatment for her eating disorder. In 2020, Honey goes on

20253-503: The teacher was revealed to be Theo Hawthorne ( William Ellis ), who would humiliate him for his intelligence. Brazier explained that "Freddie used to get called 'thick' at school and made to feel stupid all the time, so what Jean says really hurts him, it forces him to confront things from his past and give the teacher who was horrible to him a bit of a talking to". Freddie is encouraged by Jean and Bobby to confront Theo. Brazier teased that "Freddie feels good for doing it, initially, but this

20410-407: The trauma Trevor put them through, Billy and Little Mo plan to get married on Christmas Day. Their happiness is virtually compromised when Jamie gets struck by a car driven by his best-friend and Mark's brother Martin ( James Alexandrou ). Nevertheless, the pair get married – though, not before Billy visits Jamie to make peace with him before the latter dies of his injuries later that night. Towards

20567-420: The truth about his cowardice on the night of Jase's death. Unable to meet Nick's demands, Billy is forced to tell Jay the truth instead and Jay reacts in fury. Terry's gang try to stop Billy testifying at the upcoming trial. Billy testifies, despite threats, and Terry is sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Jase. Afterwards, Billy is redeemed in the eyes of Jay. However, Jay later begins to idolise Phil, to

20724-403: The virtual exclusion of Billy. When Billy stops a man from pestering Jean Slater ( Gillian Wright ) at a club, she brands him a hero and they end up having sex. Embarrassed by the fling, the following day, Billy insults Jean, killing her hopes for romance. He later begins a more serious relationship with Julie Perkins ( Cathy Murphy ), a fellow resident of the children's home where he lived as

20881-435: The way he had treated him in the past. The two start to get along better, even when Billy learns that Jamie betrayed Phil and is being treated harshly because of it. By the time his relationship with Jamie is mended, Billy has become the sworn enemy of Little Mo's husband Trevor Morgan ( Alex Ferns ) – because of the torment and abuse the latter imposed on her for the majority of their marriage. She soon leaves Trevor and starts

21038-538: The way he was at the start. I didn't want to be another Nick Cotton , an out and out baddie, because it leaves you nowhere to go. You need to be a rounded character to fit in with the others. Then you can be a bit naughty, funny sometimes, in love sometimes — it all opens out. I'm proud of the way he's changed. I didn't like doing that nasty stuff. I needed and wanted the job, but I knew what would come with it — you can't go anywhere on this show without people telling you what they think." Fenwick particularly likes

21195-545: The wedding would be scuppered. Honey would sob, Billy would do one of his "I try so hard to do the right thing" soliloquys and everyone in the Vic would be forcing down marzipan-coated fruit cake for weeks." Referencing the surprise third wedding when Honey was heavily pregnant, Dent said, "No one said that springing acute stress on Honey, a heavily pregnant woman, was plainly daft [...] each 30-minute episode spent with Honey and Billy now felt like an endurance test." She has also described

21352-420: The wishes of his family, after growing curious about his identity. Clenshaw explained that they employed the plot line as producers "felt that it was important for Freddie to find out about the circumstances relating to his conception so he can understand and process the identity of his dad". Brazier explained that Freddie had become frustrated about no one telling him about his father, as, unbeknowst to Freddie, he

21509-430: The year as a regular character. When Billy was first introduced, he was depicted as a "runt of a man who's a catalyst for trouble." Kate Lock, author of EastEnders Who's Who , has noted that the character was something of an outcast to the rest of the Mitchell clan, commenting, "none of the other Mitchells likes to think of him as 'family' [..] Billy is held in great contempt by the Mitchell [brothers], who regard him as

21666-532: Was "an amazing young addition to the EastEnders cast who brings heart and humility to the role of Freddie Slater and I can't wait for audiences to get to know him". Freddie was characterised as "a typical Slater with a heart of gold", who shares his mother's kind-hearted nature. Clenshaw described him as "a chaotic 18-year-old with a sensitive soul" and "a modern-day lad who's in touch with his spiritual side. He's philosophical, accepting, but full of mischief and makes mistakes". He also described Freddie as "a bit of

21823-403: Was "devastating". Billy Mitchell (EastEnders) Billy Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders , played by Perry Fenwick , who made his first appearance on 2 November 1998. Billy was originally introduced by producer Matthew Robinson as a guest character, facilitating the introduction of Jamie Mitchell ( Jack Ryder ) to the show. Early on, Billy

21980-625: Was Jamie's abusive uncle and guardian - which results in Jamie being taken away from Billy by his relative Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ). Billy was then brought back to the serial on 2 August 1999 and Fenwick was offered a longer-term contract, and Billy ended up becoming a regular character. Frequently portrayed as a small-time criminal, Billy is a luckless resident of Albert Square who often struggles financially. His most prominent storylines include two failed marriages with Little Mo Morgan ( Kacey Ainsworth ) and Honey Edwards ( Emma Barton ) and having

22137-545: Was a child. She eventually forgives her father, and begins enjoying the prospect of becoming a mother. Honey and Billy's first attempt at getting married in June 2006 ends in disaster when Honey is admitted to hospital, due to food poisoning. They try again in July, but due to a series of unfortunate events — starting with a prank performed on Billy's stag night — the groom doesn't get to the ceremony on time. Their third attempt in September

22294-507: Was and if it is not too late, would like to act as a surrogate father to him, which Freddie accepts. Due to his cheerful and laid back personality, Freddie soon settles into life in Walford and becomes close friends with Bobby as well as building solid relationships with Stacey, her mother Jean Slater ( Gillian Wright ) and Alfie, the latter of whom he later moves into Harvey Monroe 's ( Ross Boatman ) former flat with. Freddie has sex with Anna Knight ( Molly Rainford ), knowing that Bobby has

22451-515: Was conceived after Graham raped Little Mo. Brazier explained: "Freddie wants to find his dad because he's grown up for the past 18 years without know anything about who his dad is and anytime he has wanted to find out about who his dad is he has always been palmed off, he hasn't had any definitive answers to give him peace or that resolution he's looking for. He moved to the Square last year in hopes of finding his family and he also wanted them to point him to

22608-428: Was considered unrealistic by viewers. Brazier won the award for "Rising Star" at the 2023 National Television Awards . The manner in which Freddie incapacitated Theo, by hitting his head with a clothing iron was praised by fans as it was a reference to a 2001 scene where Little Mo fended off her abusive husband Trevor Morgan ( Alex Ferns ). Maisie Spackman of Metro called Freddie a "much-loved" character whose exit

22765-510: Was diagnosed with the disorder shortly after her birth. EastEnders' producers began to work on the DS plot in February 2006. Real parents with Down's syndrome children were approached to act as consultants in the making of the storyline, meeting with writers and the actors who play Billy and Honey. On-screen, Honey was shown to be devastated, rejecting her baby and wanting to have her adopted, while Billy wanted to keep his daughter, placing strain on

22922-466: Was diagnosed with the disorder shortly after her birth. EastEnders' producers began to work on the DS plot in February 2006. Real parents with children who have Down Syndrome were approached to act as consultants in the making of the storyline, meeting with writers and the actors who play Billy and Honey. On-screen, Honey was shown to be devastated, rejecting her baby and wanting to have her adopted, while Billy wanted to keep his daughter, placing strain on

23079-427: Was driving the car that hit Janet and reveals the fact to Honey. Honey then cuts Billy out of her photos. Billy starts sleeping rough in the office of the closed nightclub, and is discovered by Mel, who is reopening the club. She hires Billy and allows him to sleep on her sofa. In Aidan's search for the missing money, he attacks Billy for standing up to him. Honey tends to Billy's wounds and brings Janet to see him but she

23236-773: Was due to Little Mo excluding him. Upon his return, he was told the truth about Graham and his conception. On 11 September 2023, Brazier announced that he was taking a temporary exit from the soap to participate in the 21st series of Strictly Come Dancing . Speaking on his departure, Brazier commented that he had already filmed his exit by that point and explained:"I'm taking a break. I've filmed it all, and I'm not telling you [what happens]. I'll be back". In October 2023, Freddie walked in on Theo trying to rape Stacey ( Lacey Turner ) after stalking her for months. Enraged, Freddie beat him, which knocked him unconscious , and presumably dead. Freddie, Stacey, and Eve Unwin ( Heather Peace ) delayed calling an ambulance, wanting to make sure Theo

23393-676: Was exposed for his crimes, while setting up a scene so they could claim Freddie attacked Theo in self-defence , planting a weapon on Theo and claiming he came at them with a wrench. Freddie is arrested for attempted murder and after an intense police interrogation, he is bailed and Jean suggested Freddie return home to Little Mo for a while until the buzz died down, which Freddie agreed to do. However, after Freddie left, Jean and Stacey were told that Theo had woken up and his statement didn't match. Brazier confirmed his character's return in February 2024, set to return alongside Morse. Brazier expressed excitement to return, noting that his favourite moment on

23550-491: Was introduced by producer Matthew Robinson as a guest character in November 1998, used as part of a storyline to introduce Billy's nephew, Jamie, ( Jack Ryder ) to the regular cast. In the storyline, Billy was caught being abusive to Jamie and he was subsequently taken in by Billy's cousin Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ). The character was only intended to appear for four episodes; however, Perry Fenwick revealed in 2006 that

23707-450: Was later confirmed in September 2015 that the character would be making a permanent return, and Honey returned full-time from 12 November 2015. She took a break in 2020, departing on 17 January. She returned in the episode broadcast on 24 September 2020. Initial storylines included a relationship and marriage with Billy Mitchell ( Perry Fenwick ), coping with her daughter Janet Mitchell (Grace) having down syndrome , being knocked down by

23864-413: Was reported that Billy and Julie would be shocked to learn of Lola's existence, not knowing the son they once gave up for adoption had a daughter, but would decide to track her down and find her living in a care home. In November 2011, Billy is selected to be a torch bearer for the 2012 Summer Olympics . In reality, Fenwick carried the torch through the setting of Albert Square, with live footage shown in

24021-451: Was responsible for the shooting. Phil then forces Billy to testify against Dan to ensure his imprisonment. Steve observes this interaction – as he too wishes for Dan to get sent down, despite both of them being Phil's archenemies, in order to stop him from further tormenting Mel. However, Billy's testimony fails and Dan is found not guilty. Dan later confronts Billy in search of revenge for Phil and Steve, forcing him to acquire information about

24178-421: Was returning to the soap alongside Freddie. Clenshaw teased that Freddie would arrive thinking he was the son of Billy, but that it wouldn't be long before he would find out the truth. Freddie went on to make his return on 6 September 2022. On 28 March 2023, the show announced that Freddie would become involved in a storyline about having trauma from being bullied by a teacher in his past. Brazier revealed that

24335-514: Was set to join the soap in Autumn 2022. Executive producer Chris Clenshaw detailed that Brazier was cast after seeing the actor on social media and noticing that: "There was some of what I saw in Bobby [Brazier] that I thought would be perfect for Freddie. His energy, his twinkle, his spiritual side. So then we brought Bobby in to audition along with some others and he just blew us away with his performance. He

24492-435: Was taken to ensure that viewers empathised with Billy and Honey, to portray their journey in a "realistic way". The DSA have expressed their desire to see a Down's syndrome character becoming a permanent member of the EastEnders cast, as in their opinion "it would be a fantastic opportunity to bring Down's syndrome into mainstream awareness, and to present a 21st century picture of family life for those who have children with

24649-438: Was taken to ensure that viewers empathised with Billy and Honey, to portray their journey in a "realistic way". The DSA have expressed their desire to see a character with Down syndrome becoming a permanent member of the EastEnders cast, as in their opinion "it would be a fantastic opportunity to bring Down's syndrome into mainstream awareness, and to present a 21st-century picture of family life for those who have children with

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