EastEnders fans were saddened to see Stevie Mitchell say his goodbyes to Walford this week. However, many viewers have already started speculating about when he might make his return to the show. Stevie’s departure left a noticeable void, but fans are hopeful that it won’t be too long before he comes back.

Fans often speculate about characters’ returns, especially when their exits are left somewhat open-ended. Whether it’s based on storyline hints, actor contracts, or upcoming plot developments, the anticipation of Stevie’s return is keeping viewers engaged and hopeful for his reappearance in Walford.

EastEnders fans have speculated and seemingly exposed the return date of Stevie Mitchell, played by Alan Ford, following his surprise exit this week. Stevie, the estranged father of Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), made his initial appearance in January during the funeral of Aunt Sal (Anna Karen).

Fans have been piecing together clues from the storyline and actor schedules, suggesting that Stevie’s absence might be temporary. They believe his return could coincide with significant upcoming events in Walford, potentially aligning with future plotlines that involve his family. The anticipation of Stevie’s return keeps viewers intrigued, as they eagerly await how his reappearance will impact the ongoing drama in Albert Square.

Stevie Mitchell’s departure from EastEnders was marked by a significant confrontation with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who warned him to stay away. This tension stems from Stevie’s past actions, where he surrendered Billy into care when Billy was just a child. From the age of ten, Billy grew up in care, while Stevie took sole custody of his brother Charlie. This long-standing family rift has deeply impacted Billy, who last saw Stevie over 25 years ago off-screen.

The complex family dynamics and unresolved issues between Stevie and Billy add a layer of anticipation for Stevie’s potential return. Fans are eager to see how this strained relationship will evolve and what new developments might arise when Stevie inevitably makes his way back to Walford.

In more recent episodes of EastEnders, Stevie Mitchell returned with a secret family, including his son Teddy (Roland Manookian) and grandsons Harry and Barney. This unexpected reunion added layers to his character, but it wasn’t just a happy family moment—Stevie also harbored another significant secret.

As the storyline unfolded, it became clear that Stevie’s return was not just about reconnecting with Billy and his family. Fans were left guessing about the nature of this hidden secret, which added intrigue and drama to his character arc. The revelation of this secret is likely to have major implications for the Mitchell family dynamics and could lead to further conflict in the future.

This week on EastEnders, Stevie Mitchell made a shocking confession that left both Billy and his half-brother Teddy reeling: their mother, Val, was dead. Stevie revealed that his affair with Teddy’s mother had deeply affected Val, ultimately leading her to take her own life when Billy was just nine years old.

This revelation shattered Billy’s long-held belief that his mother had simply abandoned the family, adding immense emotional weight to the storyline. Heartbroken by the truth, Billy grappled with the loss and betrayal. In light of this devastating news, Stevie decided to leave Walford for good, marking a poignant end to his storyline for now. This emotional turn has left fans reflecting on the complexities of family relationships and the lasting impacts of past actions.

At Billy’s, Stevie opened up about the profound impact getting to know his grandchildren had on him, expressing that he would carry the guilt and shame of his past actions for the rest of his life. He shared his pride in his sons, leaving them with heavy hearts as they reflected on his words.

Later, Stevie was seen outside, eyeing Phil’s car. He warned Phil about the dangers of pushing away his loved ones, highlighting the recurring theme of family connections and regrets. In a surprising move, he swiftly snatched the keys to Phil’s vehicle, adding an unexpected twist to the situation. This act raised questions about his intentions and what he might do next, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the drama unfolded.

Mo Harris (Laila Morse) received the keys to Phil’s car, which she then sold, handing Stevie a substantial amount of money intended as a gift for Billy. Before leaving, Stevie took the time to say goodbye to his grandchildren, Will and Janet, sharing heartfelt words with them. He had a relatively peaceful farewell with Billy, discreetly leaving the money behind.

As Stevie stood alone, looking at Billy’s house, he confessed his profound love for Billy, who was grappling with his own emotions while sitting with Teddy. Meanwhile, Phil’s anger escalated when he discovered his car was missing, leading him to report the theft to the police.

Billy later found the cash Stevie had left along with a cherished photo of himself, Stevie, and their late brother Charlie from a day out in 1960. Amidst the unfolding drama with Phil, Stevie managed to escape in a taxi, grinning to himself, leaving a mix of unresolved emotions and tension behind him.

Fans were left devastated by Stevie’s exit, expressing their feelings on X. One viewer wrote, “I’m gonna miss Stevie. He was a good character. Hope we haven’t seen the back of him.” Another added, “Bring Stevie back! He’s such a grand character; he should’ve been a permanent fixture on the Square. I’ll miss him; I really thought he would be staying on for much longer.”

However, some fans believe Stevie could return soon, speculating that he might make an appearance at Billy’s wedding to Honey (Emma Barton). On an EastEnders fan forum, one viewer noted, “Alan Ford has been an absolute asset to this show, and it’s such a shame he wasn’t on a regular contract. I really hope they can tempt him back for more appearances in the future. Hopefully, Stevie will attend Billy and Honey’s wedding!”

This mix of sadness and hope reflects the impact Stevie’s character had on the audience, with many eager to see him return in future storylines.

Fans continued to speculate about Stevie’s potential return, with one commenting, “That’s a good idea—surely it’s got to happen this year?” Another added, “They will use Stevie’s money for the wedding, so yes, likely by the end of the year.”

These discussions highlight the optimism among viewers that Stevie’s storyline isn’t finished yet, and they’re excited about the possibility of his return during significant events like Billy and Honey’s wedding. The anticipation keeps the conversation lively as fans eagerly await what’s next for their favorite characters.