EastEnders character
Billy Mitchell
Portrayed by	Perry Fenwick
Introduced by	Matthew Robinson
Duration	1998, 1999—
First appearance	2 November 1998
Classification	Present; regular
Profile
Date of birth	1 May 1959
Home	27 Albert Square
Occupation	Market Trader (fruit and veg)
Family Family Mitchell family Wife Little Mo Morgan (2002–06) Honey Edwards (2006—) Father Steven Mitchell Mother Janet Mitchell Brothers Charlie Mitchell Sons William Mitchell Daughters Janet Mitchell Adoptive sons Jay Brown (foster) Grandfathers Kenneth Mitchell Grandmothers Barbara Mitchell Great grandfathers Edward Mitchell Great grandmothers Betty Mitchell Uncles Ted Mitchell Great uncles Phil Mitchell Nephews Jamie Mitchell First cousins  once removed Eric Mitchell Clive Mitchell Archie Mitchell Second cousins Phil Mitchell Grant Mitchell Sam Mitchell Ronnie Mitchell Roxy Mitchell Charlie Mitchell Harry Mitchell Second cousins  once removed Ben Mitchell Louise Mitchell Mark Fowler Jr. Courtney Mitchell Danielle Jones Amy Mitchell

William "Billy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Perry Fenwick, who made his first appearance on 9 November 1998. Billy was seen when Phil went to visit his godson Jamie. However, he didn't arrive in the Square until 2 August 1999, almost a year after his initial appearance.

Contents 1 Creation 2 Development 2.1 Personality 2.2 Relationships 2.2.1 Honey Edwards and Down's syndrome 3 Storylines 3.1 Backstory 3.2 1999— 4 Reception 5 In popular culture 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Creation

The character Billy Mitchell 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 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."^[1] 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 the year as a regular character.

[edit] Development

[edit] Personality

When Billy was first introduced, he was depicted as a "runt of a man who's a catalyst for trouble."^[2] 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 a lower lifeform than a worm".^[2]

It has been noted that when Billy was first introduced, he was a "nasty piece of work".^[1] However, Billy underwent a personality change circa 2002 and "became good".^[1] 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.^[1] From then on, Billy was depicted as "clownish and a bit of a loser [...] a born romantic with a kind nature and a big heart".^[1] 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 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."^[1]

Fenwick particularly likes 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."^[1]

[edit] Relationships

[edit] Honey Edwards and Down's syndrome

The character Honey Edwards (Emma Barton) was introduced in November 2005 by the executive producer Kate Harwood, as a love interest for Billy.^[3] A relationship between Honey and Billy was quickly developed and, within two months, an upcoming baby had been written into the characters' narratives, with Honey announcing she was pregnant in January 2006. A BBC insider told The Sun, "Billy is absolutely chuffed to bits".^[4]

The pregnancy was the start of an on-going storyline about Down's syndrome (DS) as, in September 2006, Honey and Billy's baby Janet 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 children were approached to act as consultants in the making of the storyline, meeting with writers and the actors who play Billy and Honey.^[5] 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 the couple, who married in the serial the day of Janet's birth.^[6]

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 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 the association.^[7]

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's syndrome, who might have out-dated or prejudiced views." EastEnders took advice from DS organisations and families of DS people throughout. Care was taken to ensure that viewers empathised with Billy and Honey, to portray their journey in a "realistic way".^[7]

The DSA have expressed their desire to see a character with Down's 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 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."^[7]

The episodes received criticism for innaccuracy.^[8] Sue Jacob, 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's syndrome alone, without her partner or family there to support her.^[8] Jacob commented, "Women are vulnerable after giving birth and they need support systems in place [...] The person caring for her 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 a problem there is no one there to support you. Showing something like this is not helpful."^[8][9] 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's babies do.^[8] 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's syndrome screening and Karen Reay, director of 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".^[9]

The BBC responded by saying, "EastEnders has undertaken a great deal of research to script 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's Syndrome. Some of their experiences were depicted in these early episodes. Also closely involved was a senior midwife from 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's Syndrome, EastEnders has in fact drawn directly from one particular true-life story - and while this may indeed not be best practice it is worth saying that good drama does not necessarily come from best practice."^[8] Despite the BBC's "extensive search" to cast a real Down's baby for the birth episodes, they were unable to do so, resulting in the shots of the newborn baby being less authentic and limited.^[8] The BBC added, "In the coming weeks Honey and Billy's child will be played by a baby with Down's Syndrome. It is worth noting that EastEnders has received incredibly positive feedback from 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 confrimed 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, 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's Syndrome that prevent them from giving parents a balanced picture of what the future will hold for them."^[8]

[edit] Storylines

[edit] Backstory

Billy's parents left him in a children's home, where he was physically abused by the staff. He got a chance to face one of his abusers, Ernie, then a pensioner, in 2002. When his brother and sister-in-law died, Billy became guardian of their son Jamie, and vented his anger on him. When Billy's distant cousin Phil Mitchell realised what was happening, he took Jamie in and Billy learnt from his mistakes.

[edit] 1999—

Billy moves to Walford, initially getting involved in criminal scams with Phil and Grant Mitchell. Billy's cousins see him as little more than a lackey, and he is frequently told that he is an embarrassment to the Mitchell name. Billy finds an ally in Steve Owen, who uses Billy as an errand boy in numerous criminal activities including drug-dealing, to antagonise the Mitchell brothers. Billy works at Steve's club, E20, and is given a 1% share of the club for his services, but is often torn between his loyalties to Steve and his family.

He falls for Janine Butcher in 2001, but she is only interested in his money, and when that runs out, she leaves him. Nevertheless, Billy helps her get over some psychological problems later that year, leading her to hope for a reconciliation, but Billy turns her down as he has fallen for Little Mo Morgan, his business partner in a cleaning company. Mo is being abused by her husband, Trevor, and it is not until Mo leaves him that Billy and Mo start a relationship, despite Trevor's attempts to break them up. Billy proposes to Mo by spelling out 'MARRY ME' on her plate with alphabet spaghetti, and the pair are engaged. When Trevor discovers this, he kidnaps Mo, but is killed the same night in a gas explosion. Billy and Mo marry on Christmas Day 2002, the same day that Jamie dies of severe injuries after being knocked down by a car. Eleven months after their wedding, Little Mo is raped by Graham Foster. Mo later discovers she was pregnant as a result of the assault. Billy presses her to have an abortion, but Mo, who has always wanted children, refuses. She leaves Walford to clear her head, and comes home with baby Freddie in tow to see Graham convicted of rape. Billy and Little Mo reunite, but Billy confesses that he can't love Freddie as his own, and thinks of Graham whenever he sees him. Billy and Mo separate, but remain friends until Billy discovers Mo's relationship with Alfie Moon.

In 2002, ownership of E20 passes to Sharon Watts. Billy (who still holds his 1% ownership of the club) continues to work there, but when Den Watts returns in September 2003, he manages the club and his feud with the Mitchells leads to Billy and Sam Mitchell being sacked. Sam coerces Billy to burn down the club in revenge. Billy does so, not realising that Vicki Fowler is inside. Billy rescues her but an explosion engulfs the club; it has to be closed down. Suspecting foul play, the insurance company refuses to pay out, which nearly leads to Sharon selling the club to Sam. However, Den returns from a holiday in Spain with the necessary funds and the Watts keep the club, buying the remaining 1% from Billy in the process.

Billy starts a relationship with newcomer Honey Edwards in November 2005, whom he manages during her spell as a model. The relationship prospers despite initial disapproval from Honey's father Jack, who takes time to accept Billy. He finds out Honey is pregnant in January 2006, and is thrilled that he is becoming a father. He proposes and she accepts. In June 2006, Billy and Honey are due to marry, but have to postpone the wedding when Honey is hospitalised; they re-schedule it for July, but this goes wrong due to a practical joke played on Billy during his stag night. Billy's aunt Peggy then arranges a surprise wedding for him and Honey in September. The couple just complete their vows when Honey goes into labour. She delivers a girl, Janet, but the Mitchells are devastated to discover she has Down's syndrome. Honey rejects the baby; she goes into depression, contemplates infanticide, and demands that Janet be put up for adoption. Billy is opposed to this, but eventually consents after agonising over the decision. On the day Janet is taken into foster care, she suffers a health scare and wis hospitalised. Billy goes to care for her and have her baptised in case she does not survive. Honey wrestles with her conscience and eventually decides she can love her baby so she and Billy bring Janet home.

Honey discovers she is pregnant again. Billy worries that having another child will make them less attentive to Janet, but Honey reassures him and William is born in November 2007. His birth is traumatic, as Honey has been assaulted by a gang that Jase Dyer once belonged to. The baby seems to be stillborn at first, but is resuscitated by medics. Billy blames Jase for the ordeal. They have not got along since Jase's arrival, as Billy believes Jase is attracted to Honey.

In December 2007, Billy and Honey suffer monetary problems. Their new landlady, Manju Patel, decides to evict them from their flat. Billy tries to prevent this, stealing charity money to pay the rent, taking on demeaning jobs and barricading them in, but Manju's relatives evict them, leaving them homeless at Christmas. They are forced to rely on the kindness of friends and relatives until the council rehouses them. Billy works on Ian Beale's fruit and veg market stall and decides to buy it in 2008; however, the bank will not give him a loan. Billy becomes desperate for money and takes on a job as a getaway driver for Jase, believing they are going to steal money from Terry Bates, who hurt Honey in the past. The job is a set-up, and Terry takes Jase's son Jay Brown hostage in their absence. Terry threatens to harm Jay to get at Jase. With Billy's help, Jay escapes, but Jase is killed by Terry in the fight that ensued. Billy hides in the bathroom, too afraid to help Jase in his moment of need. Not realising this, Jay hails Billy as a hero for trying to rescue his dad. Billy breaks down and confesses his cowardice to Honey and that he has kept some of Jase's money, allegedly to give to now orphaned Jay. Honey is incensed; she threatens to leave Billy, but gives him one last chance on the condition he never lies to her again. Billy does lie and keeps back some of the money after telling Honey he has donated it to charity. Honey decides to end their marriage and takes her children to live with her father. Billy becomes depressed and morose after losing his family.

In October 2008, Billy visits Jay at his foster home and offers to look after him as he has no one else. Jay accepts and moves in with Billy. They overcome various problems; however, in May 2009, Nick Cotton begins blackmailing him, threatening to tell Jay the truth about his cowardice on the night of Jase's death. Desperate for money, he turns to Phil, who abducts Nick, beats him and orders Billy to kill him. Billy cannot go through with it and lets Nick go. In the wake of this, Billy finally tells Jay the truth and he reacts in fury; the community shuns Billy. He later meets Viv Bates, a seemingly nice woman, and agrees to buy her a drink. She reveals she is Terry's wife, and says if Billy testifies against Terry she will hurt Jay. When Billy doesn't remove his name from the witness list, Viv sends Bird and two other hitmen to hold Jay hostage. Billy phones the police saying he's been attacked, then goes into the flat with a weapon, and is seen by Bird who beats him up. The police arrest Bird and the two hitmen, and Billy goes to court to testify, which results in Terry receiving life imprisonment for murder.

[edit] Reception

Billy has been described by Nicola Methven, TV editor of The Mirror, as one of EastEnders' most popular characters.^[1] 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 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?".^[1] 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"^[1]

[edit] In popular culture

The character of Billy Mitchell has been spoofed in the cartoon sketch show 2DTV.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Billy Mitchell at BBC Online
• Billy Mitchell at What's On TV

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