A Hollywood star-turned-EastEnders patriarch has dramatically exited the soap six months into his gripping storyline.
EastEnders has aired the final scene for Stevie Mitchell (Alan Ford), who plays the neglectful father of Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).
Alan, 86, has starred in multiple films by billion-dollar grossing director Guy Ritchie - namely crime comedy Snatch (2000).
In Thursday's episode, which is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer, Alan leaves the square in a black cab after being shunned by his children.
In April, Stevie arrived in the square to try to forge a relationship with Billy, and he was followed by Billy's much younger half-brother Teddy (Roland Manookian).
EastEnders has aired the final scene for Stevie Mitchell (Alan Ford), neglectful father of Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) - both pictured
Alan has starred in multiple films by billion-dollar grossing director Guy Ritchie - namely crime comedy Snatch (2000)
However, Billy made it clear to Stevie that he didn’t want him around and Teddy suggested he leave, and Stevie made plans to do so.
Stevie's departure will devastate Billy's children Janet Mitchell (Grace) and Will Mitchell (Freddie Phillips).
It comes after Stevie finally admitted he put Billy into care because he looked too much like his deceased mother.
Stevie also abandoned his first child, son Charlie, leaving him with a relative, but when Teddy was born years later, Stevie lived with him .
Before Stevie leaves, he asks Billy to say goodbye to his grandchildren, but Billy is cold and refuses.
Despite this, Billy cries when he realises Stevie has gone, leaving only a black-and-white photo of himself, Billy, and Charlie on a beach in 1960 - and tens of thousands of pounds.
The cash comes from Stevie's nemesis Phil Mitchell's Range Rover which Stevie had given to new flame Big Mo to sell.
Stevie leaves in a black taxi, watching with glee as Phil angrily talks to police officers about his missing car.
In Thursday's episode - available to watch now on BBC iPlayer - Alan leaves the square in a black cab after being shunned by his children
In April, Stevie arrived in the square to try to forge a relationship with Billy, and he was followed by Billy's much younger half-brother Teddy (Roland Manookian, pictured)
Stevie's departure will devastate Billy's children Janet Mitchell (Grace) and Will Mitchell (Freddie Phillips, pictured)
It comes after Stevie finally admitted he put Billy into care because he looked too much like his deceased mother
Despite this, Billy cries when he realises Stevie has gone, leaving only a black-and-white photo of himself, Billy, and Charlie on a beach in 1960 - and tens of thousands of pounds
The cash comes from Stevie's nemesis Phil Mitchell's Range Rover which Stevie had given to new flame Big Mo to sell
Stevie leaves in a black taxi, watching with glee as Phil angrily talks to police officers about his missing car
Stevie made his first appearance on EastEnders in April when he attended Aunt Sal's funeral, but Phil chased him away
Alan's arrival in Walford was confirmed in December 2023.
On joining the cast of EastEnders, Alan says: 'I feel highly delighted to be playing a character close to my own age in this extremely popular television drama series.'
As well as Snatch, Alan has appeared in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Exorcist: The Beginning.
He also appeared as separate characters in eight episodes of The Bill and has taken to the stage severally.
