Fans were devastated as Stevie Mitchell made his exit from EastEnders this week – but it seems he could be back soon.

EastEnders’ Stevie Mitchell, played by Alan Ford, made a surprise exit this week, but fans have already predicted his return date.

Stevie first appeared on the scene in Walford earlier this year as Billy’s (Perry Fenwick) estranged father, making his debut at Aunt Sal’s (Anna Karen) funeral in January.

However, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) warned him to keep his distance after he had given up Billy for adoption as a child. From the age of ten, Billy was raised in foster care after Stevie took sole custody of his brother Charlie. The two hadn’t seen each other for over 25 years.

Fast forward to the present day, and Stevie reappeared with his secret family including son Teddy (Roland Manookian). But Stevie was harbouring another massive secret.

This week, Stevie finally admitted that Billy’s mother Val had died – she had taken her own life many years ago. Billy and half-brother Teddy were shocked when Stevie revealed that his affair with Teddy’s mother had driven Val to suicide when Billy was just nine years old, reports the Daily Star.

Billy, who had spent his entire life believing his mother had abandoned the family and was still alive somewhere, was devastated. Following this revelation, Stevie decided to leave Walford permanently.

Stevie confessed getting to know his grandchildren had been a profound experience for him, admitting that he would carry the guilt and shame of his past actions for the rest of his life. He then expressed his pride in his sons before leaving them to ponder on his words.

Later, he was seen outside, eyeing Phil’s car and warning him about the dangers of alienating his loved ones. In a swift move, he managed to grab the keys to Phil’s vehicle.

The keys were handed over to Mo Harris (Laila Morse), who sold the car and gave Stevie a hefty sum of money. This cash was meant as a gift for Billy.

Stevie asked to bid farewell to Will (Freddie Phillips) and Janet (Grace). He shared heartfelt words with his grandchildren and had a relatively peaceful goodbye with Billy, subtly leaving the money behind for them.

Alone and gazing at Billy’s house, Stevie declared his deep love for Billy, who was also grappling with his own emotions as he sat with Teddy. Meanwhile, Phil was livid when he found out his car was missing, and he immediately reported the theft to the police.

Billy soon found the money Stevie left him, along with a photo of Stevie, himself, and their late brother Charlie from a day out in 1960. As the drama surrounding Phil’s car escalated, Stevie made a quick exit in a taxi, grinning to himself.

Fans were heartbroken over Stevie’s departure, with one commenting on X: “I’m gonna miss Stevie. He was a good character. Hope we haven’t seen the back of him.”

Another chimed in: “Dam Bring Stevie back he’s such a grand character, he should’ve been a permanent fixture to the square, I’ll Miss him, really thought he would be staying on for much longer.”

However, some fans believe that Stevie will be back sooner rather than later. On an EastEnders online fan forum, viewers speculated about his potential return for Billy’s wedding to Honey (Emma Barton).

“Alan Ford has been an absolute asset to this show and it’s such a shame he wasn’t on a regular contract. I really hope they can tempt him back for more appearances in the future. Hopefully, Stevie will attend Billy and Honey’s wedding!” one fan suggested.

Another responded: “That’s a good idea – surely it’s got to happen this year? ” A third added: “They will use Stevie’s money for the wedding so yes, likely by the end of the