Fans of EastEnders have been left in shock as Billy Mitchell revealed his real age during Tuesday night’s episode. The long-running character, who has been on the BBC soap since 1998, told Janine Butcher that it was his birthday on the show yesterday (3 May).
Billy, played by Perry Fenwick, has been on Albert Square for nearly 25 years. Yet avid fans of the series were surprised when he said how old he is.
During a scene in the Queen Vic, Billy was hinting to bar manager Janine that it was his special day. He said: “Well today feels like a good enough day to be giving presents. The 3rd of May, got a sort of ‘giving gifts’ vibe about it.”
Janine feigned confusion, telling Billy that she did not know what he was talking about. Then, just as Billy looked sad she forgot, Janine whipped out a bottle from behind the bar.
She said: “What sort of monster do you think I am? Happy birthday, Billy! What are you, 68?”
Billy then revealed he was, in fact, 63. Janine responded: “63? Blimey, tough paper round babe.”
Actor Perry Fenwick is 59 in real life, meaning Billy is four years older. Many viewers were surprised at the revelation of Billy’s age, saying that the character looks much younger.
Twitter user @mikepriestley12 said: “Billy Mitchell is 63… never thought he was that old”. @Ethan_Eth6 also tweeted that the character “does not look 63!” @RickMouthful agreed: “Billy Mitchell is never 63”
EastEnders airs on BBC One weekly and is available on BBC iPlayer.
