Billy Mitchell (EastEnders) revealed in 2006 that the role was extended by "coincidence and chance": "I was offered four episodes and here I am, about 800 later. [...] Ross Kemp (Grant) said that he was leaving, and there was a gap in the Mitchell family, so they brought me back to do stuff towards his leaving. After that they offered me a year." Billy was reintroduced in 1999, making recurring appearances. He was involved in the leaving storyline of Grant Mitchell in October 1999, before returning later in the year as a regular character. When Billy was first introduced, he was depicted as
Gary Kemp Gary Kemp Gary James Kemp (born 16 October 1959) is an English singer, songwriter, musician and actor, best known as the lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and principal songwriter for the new wave band Spandau Ballet. Kemp is the main songwriter for Spandau Ballet, writing hits for the band such as "To Cut a Long Story Short", "True", "Gold", "Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)" and "Only When You Leave". His brother Martin Kemp plays bass guitar in the band. Kemp was on born 16 October 1959 to parents Eileen and Frank Kemp in St Bartholomew's Hospital, Smithfield,