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EastEnders viewers were left feeling rather confused after a “silly” blunder hit the BBC soap earlier this week.
In an episode that aired on Monday (16 March), it was revealed by newcomer Bea Pollard (Ronni Ancona) that Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), his wife Honey (Emma Barton) and their children Will (Freddie Phillips) and Janet (Grace) have been on a long holiday abroad since 12 February.
However, viewers recalled that Will – despite being overseas – showed up in Albert Square in an episode airing on 25 February.
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‘EastEnders’ character Will Mitchell (Freddie Phillips) showed up in the soap – despite being abroad (BBC)
The scene in question featured teenager Will in Walford chicken shop McClunky’s, filming his friend Davinder “Nugget” Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) while he had a seizure. The scene was intended to showcase the stigmas surrounding epilepsy.
The mistake did not escape fans, with many expressing their confusion on social media.
“So, according to today’s episode, Will is on the (ridiculously long) holiday with his family – did he just pop back for the day the other week so he could film Nugget’s seizure?!” one person wrote on X/Twitter, adding: “I’m becoming disproportionately obsessed with how little sense all this makes.”
Another added: “So now Will is on holiday with his family? So why was he in Walford to silently stand by and record Nugget’s seizure, which went absolutely nowhere?”
An additional viewer chimed in: “Bea mentioned all four of them were on holiday at the moment so how was Will in McClunky’s filming Nugget’s seizure?! Silly.”
“Maybe his first storyline will be about his ability to teleport.” The Independent has contacted the BBC for comment.
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‘EastEnders’ character Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) is at the centre of an epilepsy storyline (BBC)
The soap’s epilepsyplot aims to shed light on the neurological disorder, with producers collaborating closely with the Epilepsy Society to ensure accuracy and sensitivity.
The storyline is set to explore how Nugget adapts to living with the condition and its impact on his daily life.
The Epilepsy Society has expressed its hope that the high-profile storyline will “spark conversations, reduce stigma, and help bring the condition out of the shadows”.
Clare Pelham, chief executive at the Epilepsy Society, highlighted the importance of such representation: “One in 100 people has epilepsy, yet many keep it hidden because of stigma,” she stated.
“That’s why we were delighted when EastEnders asked for our advice on portraying Nugget’s epilepsy story accurately. EastEnders has a powerful record of tackling tough issues. By showing what seizures are really like and how to support someone with epilepsy, Nugget’s story can spark conversations, reduce stigma, and help bring the condition out of the shadows.”
EastEnders executive producer Ben Wadey affirmed the show’s commitment to authentic storytelling. “We are committed to portraying Nugget’s journey authentically and with sensitivity, so have sought advice from the Epilepsy Society to ensure an accurate representation of the challenges a young person may face following their diagnosis,” he said.
Additional reporting by Agencies