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Carol faces the worst day of her life when she hears that her son is dead.

It’s the morning after Billie’s birthday party and he’s seemingly still asleep. Carol leaves for work annoyed with Billie, she wants words with him when she gets back. Whitney leaves the Beales’ house in a rush, claiming she has to be back before Bianca notices she’s not there. Peter asks if she means before Billie notices.

Bianca takes Billie a cup of tea, and can’t wake him. In shock, she calls Carol at the bookies and tells her to come home – Billie’s dead. Carol walks home in a daze. The doctor’s there and the paramedics and police soon arrive. Bianca and Pat try to keep the kids out of the way.

The doctor tells the family Billie’s death could be alcohol related. Carol asks Whitney what they drank at the party last night, and is frustrated when Whitney claims she doesn’t know. Carol barges into the sitting room to look at the empties, just as the paramedics are covering up Billie’s body. Pat comforts Bianca. Bianca finds Carol struggling to write down information about Billie.

Lashing out, Carol blames Bianca for Billie’s death, she shouldn’t have brought him home. Max, Tanya, Lauren and Abi arrive, Max comforts his sister, Lauren laughs in shock when she discovers Billie’s dead. Carol grabs Lauren and accuses her of finding the whole thing funny. Alfie returns the keys to the bookies; he’s locked up for her. The undertakers arrive.

Carol uncovers Billie’s face and kisses him, before tenderly putting one of his socks back on. The undertakers take Billie away. Bianca breaks down in her mum’s arms. Carol insists she’s going to clear up the sitting room. She finds Billie’s wallet on the sofa. She takes out a photo of Billie as a child and then finally gives way to tears.

If you are affected by any of the issues in this episode of EastEnders, please click on the link below for information regarding sources of help, support and advice: http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_20081104.shtml.

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Credits

Role Contributor
Carol Jackson Lindsey Coulson
Billie Jackson Devon Anderson
Bianca Butcher Patsy Palmer
Ricky Butcher Sid Owen
Pat Evans Pam St Clement
Whitney Dean Shona McGarty
Liam Butcher James Forde
Tiffany Butcher Maisie Smith
Morgan Jackson-King Devon Higgs
Max Branning Jake Wood
Tanya Branning Jo Joyner
Lauren Branning Jacqueline Jossa
Abi Branning Lorna Fitzgerald
Alfie Moon Shane Richie
Patrick Trueman Rudolph Walker
Peter Beale Thomas Law
PC Lance Giles New
Executive Producer Bryan Kirkwood
Director Jennie Darnell
Writer Simon Ashdown

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