EastEnders fans shocked as Billy Mitchell reveals his real age to Janine Butcher

EASTENDERS fans have been left shocked after Billy Mitchell revealed his real age to Janine Butcher.

The character – played by Perry Fenwick – has been on the BBC soap since 1998.

But despite almost a quarter of a century on Albert Square, viewers still got a surprise tonight when he revealed his age.

Billy was talking to Janine in the Queen Vic, and hinting that it was his birthday.

He said: “Well today feels like a good enough day to be giving presents.

“The 3rd of May, got a sort of giving gifts vibe about it.”

Janine pretended to have forgotten it was his birthday, and said: “I’m sorry Billy I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

As he looked crestfallen, she pulled a bottle from behind the bar and said: “What sort of a monster do you think I am? Happy birthday Billy!”

She added cheekily: “What are you 68?”

Billy replied: “Shhh, 63.”

Janine said: “63 blimey, tough paper round babe.”

While Perry is 59 in real life, his character is four years older, and the news left many EastEnders viewers shocked.

One wrote on Twitter: “Billy Mitchell is 63 never thought he was that old #EastEnders.”

Another added: “Billy Mitchell in eastenders does not look 63! #Eastenders.”

A third tweeted: “Billy can’t be that age! I don’t believe it! #eastenders.”

EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.