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EastEnders confirms film star Alan Ford casting as Billy Mitchell's dad Stevie

Hollywood star Alan Ford will portray Stevie Mitchell in the BBC One soap.

Alan Ford as Stevie Mitchell and Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell in EastEnders standing in a black suit and coat in a churchyard.

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Published: Thursday, 28 December 2023 at 8:00 pm

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Alan Ford has been confirmed to be portraying Stevie Mitchell in EastEnders in the New Year.

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Fans had been aware that Ford was joining the BBC One soap for scenes surrounding the funeral of Aunt Sal Martin in the New Year after he was spotted on set, but the Hollywood star's role had yet to be confirmed until now.

Now the soap has confirmed that Ford will portray Stevie Mitchell, the estranged father of long-term favourite Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).

Having grown up in care, viewers have been aware that Billy did not have the happiest home life and he was left in foster care at the age of 10 when Stevie took sole custody of Billy's brother Charlie.

Billy last saw his father Stevie off-screen 25 years ago but will now be reunited with him at the funeral of Aunt Sal Martin, played by the late Anna Karen.

Alan Ford as Stevie Mitchell in EastEnders standing in a black suit and coat in a churchyard.

Alan Ford joins the cast of EastEnders as Billy Mitchell's father, Stevie. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Speaking of his casting in the soap, Alan Ford commented: "I feel highly delighted to be playing a character close to my own age in this extremely popular television drama series."

Speaking further on Ford's casting and the arrival of Stevie, executive producer Chris Clenshaw commented: "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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Ford is best known for his roles in blockbuster gangster films Snatch, Riot Club and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He also has numerous television credits to his name and even previously had a small role in EastEnders as guest character called Sam Sangers in 1986.

Fans can expect to see Alan Ford in EastEnders as Stevie Mitchell on 15th January 2023.

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EastEnders airs Monday to Friday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this week.

Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Lewis Knight, smiling against a lime green background.

Lewis KnightNews and Trends Editor

Lewis is the news and trends editor at Radio Times and leads our approach to news, reactive content, and serving audience demands and interests. An obsessive fan of television and film, Lewis is a Nicole Kidman fanatic with a side of passion for science-fiction, art-house cinema and the latest HBO drama. Lewis has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Film Studies. After working in advertising, Lewis worked at The Mirror for three years in community management and SEO, showbiz, film and television reporting.

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