EastEnders casts Alan Ford as Billy Mitchell’s estranged dad
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders has cast Hollywood actor Alan Ford as Billy Mitchell's estranged father.
It was announced last month that Ford, who has starred in movies including Snatch, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Exorcist: The Beginning, would be heading to Albert Square to attend the funeral of Aunt Sal, Peggy Mitchell's sister.
Details about the actor's character had been kept under wraps, but it has now been confirmed that he'll be taking on the role of Billy's estranged dad, Stevie Mitchell.
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Billy grew up in care from the age of ten after Stevie took sole custody of his brother Charlie, and he last saw his dad off-screen over 25 years ago.
Stevie is set to arrive in Walford as the Mitchell family prepare to say goodbye to their beloved Aunt Sal, but it soon becomes clear that he's not welcome in the family fold.
"I feel highly delighted to be playing a character close to my own age in this extremely popular television drama series," Ford said in a statement.
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The BBC soap's executive producer, Chris Clenshaw, added: "It’s an honour to welcome the immensely talented Alan Ford to the cast of EastEnders as he takes on the role of Stevie Mitchell.
"Whilst Billy has been a stalwart in the show for over 25 years, viewers know very little about his complicated childhood and the events that led him to grow up in care."
This will mark Ford's second arrival in Walford, as he made a guest appearance in 1986 as a conman named Sam Sangers. Sam had attempted to con Debbie Wilkins out of her deceased boyfriend's belongings, though Pauline Fowler sent him on his way.
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
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