EastEnders aired another emotional exit as Stevie Mitchell bid farewell to his son Billy – but could he return?

Recent scenes aired on BBC One have left the newcomer in a difficult position as he was forced to reveal his darkest secrets to estranged son Billy Mitchell (played by Perry Fenwick), including the cause of death of his mother Val.

The market stall holder struggled to forgive his father for the years of secrecy and abandonment but Stevie tried to make it all up to Billy during this Thursday’s (July 11) double bill of the London-based drama.

Stevie went a step further before kissing Big Mo (Laila Morse) goodbye and heading out of the Square as he stole and sold off Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) car, leaving him in complete distress.

Big Mo kissed Stevie Mitchell goodbye this Thursday but fans have demanded for him to return ( Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

In another strong gesture, Stevie begged Billy to allow him one last moment with his grandchildren, Will and Janet, before his departure from Walford – and he secretly left the stash of cash Phil’s car had brought him out on display for Billy to find later on. Billy cried as he found the envelope filled with money and and a photo from his childhood alongside Stevie and his brother Charlie. Meanwhile, Stevie happily climbed into his cab and was amused to see Phil lose his temper over his missing car.

Viewers of the long-running show jumped on to X after watching Stevie’s exit scenes as they wondered if they’d really seen the last of actor Alan Ford: One desperately tweeted at soap queen Sharon Marshall as they wrote: “has Stevie left left or coming back??? I don’t want Stevie to go!”

Another echoed: “I really hope Alan Ford returns one day even for a short time again. What a great addition to the cast he has been as Stevie Mitchell.” A third chimed in: “Stevie had quickly become one of my favourite characters, I’m really hoping this isn’t the last we see of him!” Unfortunately, nothing has been said about a potential return for Alan Ford. It is understood that, for now, viewers will not be seeing him again any time soon.

The actor, 86, was announced to be joining the soap line-up in December, 2023, after gaining recognition for starring in multiple films by award-nominated director Guy Ritchie, most notably crime comedy Snatch (2000). He has also starred in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Exorcist : The Beginning as well as appeared on stage for multiple productions.