EASTENDERS fans have been left ‘absolutely floored’ by emotional scenes after a long-lost character arrived in Walford – and learned of a heartbreaking death.
Monday’s episode saw Billy Mitchell’s estranged dad Stevie arrive in Walford to a frosty reception from the rest of the family.
In tonight’s episode, Billy told his father he didn’t want to hear what he had to say, after carrying years of hurt over how he had been treated.
But fiancee Honey encouraged him to hold his dad to account, as it might be his only chance, and so Billy brought Stevie back to the flat to get answers.
The conversation revealed Stevie had put Billy into care following the death of his mother, as Stevie “couldn’t cope” and was drowning his grief in booze.
However, Billy raged that “care was the worst place you could have put me!” and that his dad had kept his brother, Charlie.
He yelled: “What sort of parent chooses one kid over another?!”
He also reminded Stevie that at Charlie’s funeral, he had told Billy that he’d wished he had died instead of his brother.
Stevie apologised but Billy was having none of it, and marched towards the door, signalling it was time for Stevie to go.
But Stevie quickly said: “Billy wait, Do me a favour, can you put me in touch with Jamie…Charlie’s boy…”
As Billy looked stunned, Stevie continued: “Your nephew, daft, floppy barnet, that high last time I saw him…must be in his 40s now. You must have a telephone number for him.”
Billy remained speechless and Stevie said: “Oh don’t tell me you two had a row and have fallen out.”
Finally finding his voice, Billy said: “Jamie’s dead.”
Longtime EastEnders fans will remember Jamie was played by actor Jack Ryder from 1998 until 2002.
Jamie died in hospital heartbreaking scenes after being run over by Martin Fowler outside the tube station.
The mention of the character brought tears to viewers’ eyes once again, with one writing on X: “Hearing Billy’s dad ask where Jamie was and how he could get into contact with him absolutely floored me.
“This is when soap operas/long-running dramas excel. Such a rich history to refer to.”
Another replied: “Exactly. One thing I love is how Jamie keeps getting mentioned etc. over the years to keep the legacy of his life/death alive.”
A third tweeted: “JAMIE MITCHELL MENTION OMG.”
A fellow viewer shared a gif of a shocked cat and wrote: “Stevie just finding out Jamie is dead.”
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THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
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EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.