BBC EastEnders’ Mitchell family expands as iconic Snatch actor joins in new role
Veteran star of television and film Alan Ford is to join the cast of BBC EastEnders in the New Year as Steve Mitchell - the estranged father of longstanding character, Billy
The EastEnders Mitchell clan is to expand in the New Year with the arrival of 85-year-old actor, Alan Ford.
The veteran, who has starred in numerous shows and films including Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, joins the BBC soap’s cast as Stevie Mitchell – the estranged dad of Billy Mitchell, played by Perry Fenwick since 1998. Alan has already began filming scenes, which will air in early 2024.
Explaining the background story behind his introduction to Albert Square, the Beeb revealed: “Billy grew up in care from the age of 10 after Stevie took sole custody of his brother Charlie and the pair last saw each other off-screen over 25 years ago.
“Stevie will arrive in Walford as the Mitchell family prepare to say goodbye to their beloved Aunt Sal, but it soon becomes apparent that his attendance is not welcome.”
On joining the cast of EastEnders, former star of The Bill, Alan, said: “I feel highly delighted to be playing a character close to my own age in this extremely popular television drama series.” And 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. Alan arrives in Walford as the Mitchell family prepare to say goodbye to their beloved Aunt Sal but it soon becomes apparent that he is not welcome in the family fold.”
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Last month show insiders revealed Stevie is to be part of a major new storyline, meanwhile. They told the Sun: “Alan’s a great signing by bosses. He’s a huge star who fans will be delighted to see on the soap. His character has a long connection to the Mitchells. Aunt Sal was a stalwart of the soap and she’ll be done proud with the scenes.”
Viewers may be surprised to know this isn’t the first time Alan has starred in EastEnders. He also made one appearance on the soap back in 1986 as a conman called Sam Sangers. His character had planned to trick Debbie Wilkins.
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Aunt Sal was last seen in Walford for Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell’s funeral in 2017 where she berated their mother Glenda for abandoning them as children. Since then, she has been mentioned on-screen with Phil said to have been hiding in her holiday home last year when he was on the run from the police.
But in real life, the actress Anna Karen died in a house fire in London last year. It is thought the final scenes will bring closure for her character following her tragic death.
