EASTENDERS fans are in shock after Billy Mitchell was arrested for murder.
The market trader – who is played by actor Perry Fenwick in the BBC soap – was caught trying to flee the country rather than be set up for a crime he didn’t commit.
As Billy was about to escape the police turned up
Phil delayed Billy so much that Keeble had a chance to walk into the pub and arrest him for murder.
Viewers know DCI Keeble is holding Billy accountable for her dad, a security guard’s, murder in the 70s.
The flashback episode revealed it was Phil’s dad Eric who actually murdered him.
But Keeble is determined to hold Billy accountable and is demanding Phil turn on him – to save himself and the rest of his family.
Realising time was running out for Billy, Phil set about coming up with a plan to get him out of the country.
He tried to convince him that he needed him for a property deal in Portugal but Billy wouldn’t go.
It was only when Phil came clean about what Keeble was holding Billy accountable for, that he realised he had to run.
Billy said an emotional goodbye to a furious Honey and his kids Will and Janet, before heading to Phil and Kat’s engagement party.
With his bags packed, he got his final instructions from Phil and tried to leave.
But as Billy went to say goodbye to Phil, he was confronted by Freddie Slater for ignoring him.
He delayed him so much that Keeble had a chance to walk into the pub and arrest him for murder.
“Billy Mitchell, I’m arresting you for the murder of Malcolm Keeble in January 1979,” she said.
“You do not have to say anything but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something you later rely on in court.
“Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
Fans were shocked to see Billy get arrested and took to Twitter to share how they felt.
One wrote: “Poor Billy.”
A second said: “Please, not Billy.”
Another added: “Has Phil set Billy up? Why does the woman cop look like Liz Truss? Has she got a side job in EastEnders?”
Keeble got there in time and arrested Billy on the spot
A devastated Freddie Mitchell watched as Billy got arrested
