It has been confirmed that Alan Ford will be joining the cast of EastEnders next year as Stevie Mitchell.
The legendary actor, 85, will make a spectacular appearance in Walford in the new year to take on the role of Billy Mitchell's (Perry Fenwick) estranged father Stevie.
Billy was raised in care from the age of ten after Stevie took sole custody of his brother Charlie and they last saw each other off screen more than 25 years ago.
Stevie's arrival in Walford comes as the Mitchell family prepares to say goodbye to their beloved Aunt Sal (Anna Karen), sister of Peggy Mitchell.
His appearance will certainly cause excitement in the family, as it quickly becomes clear that he is not welcome to attend the funeral.
It has been confirmed that Alan Ford will be joining the cast of EastEnders next year as Stevie Mitchell
The legendary actor, 85, will make a spectacular appearance in Walford in the new year to take on the role of Billy Mitchell's (Perry Fenwick, pictured) estranged father Stevie
Speaking about joining the cast of EastEnders, Alan said: “I’m delighted to be playing a character my age in this hugely popular television series.”
Alan is best known for his roles in Guy Ritchie's gangster films, including Snatch, Riot Club and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
He also appeared as a separate character in eight episodes of The Bill and also starred in the 2010 film Mission London.
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said of his casting: “It is an honor to welcome the extremely talented Alan Ford to the cast of EastEnders, taking on the role of Stevie Mitchell.”
“While Billy has been an integral part of the series for over 25 years, viewers know very little about his complicated childhood and the events that led to him growing 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.”
The 85-year-old actor (pictured with Steve McFadden's Phil Mitchell) will arrive in Walford in the New Year as the Mitchell family prepare to say goodbye to their beloved Aunt Sal
Alan is best known for his roles in Guy Ritchie's gangster films including Snatch (pictured), Riot Club and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Alan previously appeared as a guest character, Sam Sanger, in the BBC soap opera in 1986.
Aunt Sal's funeral will be aired in scenes on EastEnders next year after actress Anna Karen died in a house fire last year.
Sal last appeared at Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell's funeral on EastEnders in 2017, but has since been mentioned by Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).