EastEnders fans so confused by Billy and Stevie Mitchell’s reunion they create family timeline – it explains everything
EASTENDERS fans put their heads together to make sense of the ‘confusing’ Mitchell family timeline.
The Mitchell family have been a strong presence in the soap since the early 1990s.
Notable members include siblings Phil, Grant and Samantha (Sam), their mother Peggy, Phil’s son Ben as well as cousins Billy, Ronnie and Roxy to name a few.
The line-up of Mitchells living in the show’s setting of Albert Square has changed continually over the decades.
In January, viewers met Billy’s father Stevie Mitchell (played by Alan Ford) for the first time in present day following a flashback appearance in 2022.
However, fans are now ‘confused’ about the timeline of Billy’s early life and whether there are plot holes in his backstory.
A viewer wrote on the show’s subreddit: “I’m slightly confused by Billy’s past – maybe others can share some light.
“So, we’ve seen Billy reunited with his dad Stevie who he resents after being put in care as a child.
“But, we saw in the 2022 flashback episode that Billy was back with the Mitchells as an adolescent, taking part in the warehouse robbery alongside Stevie and brother Charlie.”
The viewer pointed out Billy last saw his father “25 years ago,” placing the longtime Walford resident in his mid-30s at the time and observed Billy and Stevie would have had ‘several years’ together before losing contact again.
They added: “Surely these conversations about ‘leaving me in care’ would’ve already happened, unless it’s something Billy’s just not been able to shake off.
“It feels like they’ve not seen each other since Billy was placed in care but this clearly isn’t the case?”
Fortunately, other fans soon came to the rescue to help make sense of the plot.
One wrote: “I think Stevie was maybe periodically in and out of Billy’s life as an adult (not happily, but just about) until Charlie died, by which point he scarpered and Jamie was left in Billy’s care.
“Billy left care at 16 I think and then reconnected with his brother (& the rest of the Mitchell’s).
“Stevie was sometimes about so I guess Billy would see him here and there back then for the next 2 decades.
“I’d imagine Stevie went loco again right after Charlie passed which fits with the timeline of Billy coming into the show and all the stuff with Jamie.”
Another viewer commented on the situation with a critical eye, writing: “If I had to guess, whatever timeline they go with for Stevie and Billy it’s going to have some holes.
“Until this casting I don’t think the show really thought about bringing the character into the show.
“I am not saying fans should “over look” errors, but I don’t know if a 100% accurate timeline can be made.”
It comes following Billy’s long-dead nephew Jamie (Jack Ryder) getting a mention in a recent episode.
Jamie’s life was tragically cut short in 2002, when he was accidentally run over by Martin Fowler.
However, it transpired Stevie was unaware of his grandson’s death two decades ago, asking Billy to put him in touch with Jamie.
Initially speechless, Billy finally told his father: “Jamie’s dead.”
EastEnders facts and figures
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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