George Greenland, an EastEnders actor, has guaranteed that the upcoming flashback episode would give fans some answers regarding Billy Mitchell.
The Mitchell family’s early years in 1979 will be the subject of a special one-off episode of the soap opera that will air the following Monday, September 5. Stars George and Jaime Winstone (Peggy) will play younger versions of their fan favorites.
George reflected on his preparation for the character of Billy, famously portrayed by Perry Fenwick, and said: “First of all, it was so much fun; I was so thrilled to get the role. Since Perry has been doing it for so long, there is a wealth of information to draw upon when imagining Billy’s future.
“I was viewing a ton of Billy Mitchell’s finest moments from previous episodes. That was fantastic for practicing my manners, paying attention to his voice, and finding the appropriate tone for my voice.
There was a ton of information available, and I spent a lot of time researching his upbringing and what had occurred to him before we met him in this episode.
George acknowledged that, having grown up watching the soap opera, he “knew quite a bit” about Billy’s past and where he is at the beginning of the episode.
It was something of a mainstay in his home, he said. “As far back as I can remember, Billy has always been a part of it.
George said, “In terms of his future ambitions, I think at the time we meet him he is so young and has had such a hard time as a kid that I think his dreams are about the immediate as opposed to the long-term.
“Where can I have a quality lunch and where can I obtain my next piece of cash, he wonders. It’s really current. Although he always has his heart in the right place and comes across as a good guy, things don’t always turn out as expected.”
The celebrity said that Billy “would probably be pretty happy at where he ends up,” noting: “Considering where he has come from and his experiences growing up, I think he would be content with that. He’s had some wonderful relationships, had kids.
“I don’t believe he would have set himself up for such absurd aspirations. Young Billy has done well, in my opinion. He only wants a good life.
