Massive danger for Billy and Honey as Bea gets ‘much darker’ in EastEnders
Trouble is brewing in EastEnders next week, and things are about to spiral badly for Billy and Honey Mitchell as Bea’s behaviour takes a seriously worrying turn.
What starts as heartbreak and humiliation quickly turns into something far more dangerous when Bea lashes out as her world begins falling apart.
At first, things seem fairly normal as Bea fusses around Ian Beale on his first official day as Walford’s new councillor. But while she’s trying to play the supportive partner, Ian is distracted by ongoing tension with Linda Carter and his awkward attempts to smooth things over with Elaine Peacock following the recent election drama.
Meanwhile, Honey is still becoming increasingly anxious after suspecting her identity may have been stolen. After encouragement from Billy, she finally asks Bea when she plans to move out, but Bea insists she’s hoping to move in with Ian instead.
Things unravel after Cindy Beale shows Ian an article Bea has written in the Gazette which refers to the pair as husband and wife. Realising Bea’s feelings have become far more intense than he expected, Ian decides to end the relationship there and then.
Speaking about Bea’s reaction, actress Ronni Ancona explained: ‘Bea switches so quickly. She’s mercurial, and she can’t seem to regulate her emotions. Bea suddenly gets very angry very quickly instead of processing the situation.’
She added: ‘She suddenly becomes vengeful about the situation with Ian.’
Although Ian is shocked by Bea’s explosive reaction, his problems are only just beginning. Before long, he discovers the truth behind Honey’s missing money fears, Bea has secretly used a fraudulent credit card in Honey’s name to pay people for election votes.
Furious, Ian storms over to No.18 and confronts Bea in front of Honey.
At first, Bea desperately tries to talk her way out of the situation and cover her tracks, while a stunned Honey orders Ian to leave the house. But eventually Bea realises there’s nowhere left to hide and finally admits what she’s done.
According to Ronni, Bea’s feelings for Honey are genuine, which makes the betrayal even more tragic.
‘Bea loves Honey too much. Not in a romantic sense, but she’s the friend that she never had, and the confidant that she never had,’ she explained.
‘She’s horrified that Honey has found out. Bea has done something fundamentally wrong, but with Bea, things just snowball. They snowball, and snowball, and before you know it, everything is out of control.’
The actress also revealed that Bea’s desperate actions come from wanting acceptance more than anything else.
‘She knows she’s rejected soundly, so she thinks she can buy herself people’s affections. She’s a toxic people pleaser, but it makes her feel important and wanted.’
Later, Honey meets with Ian, Kathy Beale, Linda and Elaine at The Vic to discuss what’s happened. While some think Bea should face consequences, Ian becomes more concerned about protecting himself, fearing a police investigation could damage his new councillor position.
Back at home, Honey almost finds herself softening towards Bea and appears close to forgiving her, until Billy arrives home and learns the full truth.
Furious over Bea’s lies and manipulation, he demands she leave immediately. And it’s clear that Bea’s resentment towards Billy has been building for a while.
Discussing their tense dynamic, Ronni said, ‘She genuinely does not think that Billy is good enough for Honey. She finds him coarse, and she doesn’t respect him.’
She also hinted that Bea’s biggest issue with Billy is that he sees through her completely.
‘Billy is a perfectly nice, hard-working guy who just wants a simple life with his family, but he can see through her, and therefore he’s a problem.’
But things take an even darker turn after Bea leaves.
Consumed by anger and revenge, she tampers with Billy’s ladder before fleeing the scene, though panic quickly sets in as she realises the seriousness of what she’s done.
Later, Bea attempts to apologise to Ian, but he refuses to believe she’s genuinely sorry. Completely isolated and with nowhere else to go, Bea ends up bedding down at McClunky’s.
And according to Ronni, this is only the beginning of Bea’s downward spiral.
‘It’s going to get so much darker for Honey and Billy,’ she warned.