Advertisement

EastEnders brings back evil James Willmott-Brown

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

From Digital Spy

EastEnders has reintroduced one of its biggest villains of all time, with James Willmott-Brown unveiled as the returning character from Kathy Beale's past.

Fan speculation has been in overdrive since yesterday's episode ended with a mystery figure leaving flowers among the tributes to Steven Beale outside the burned-out restaurant.

Willmott-Brown – played by William Boyde – is the evil businessman who raped Kathy back in 1988, serving a three-year prison sentence as a result.

The other big talking point this week has been the fact that Fi Browning and Josh Hemmings were revealed to be siblings – and EastEnders continued to connect all the dots in tonight's big episode.

Friday's scenes saw Max Branning collect his old cell mate Luke from prison and take him home, where his sister Fi, his half-brother Josh, and his uncle Hugo (previously known only as Weyland & Co's mysterious Chairman) were waiting for him.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

It was then revealed that Fi, Luke and Josh are all Willmott-Brown's children – the elder two from his marriage to Elizabeth Browning, and Josh from his later relationship with Wendy Hemmings.

The plot twist became clear when Max was introduced to Willmott-Brown in the closing moments of the episode.

Viewers have known for a while that a vengeful Max has teamed up with the Chairman of Weyland and Co, who appears to have some big and worrying plans for Walford. Although Max's intentions were always revenge-focused, it was never entirely clear who he was actually working for – or why – but it's now apparent that the Chairman is Willmott-Brown's brother-in-law Hugo, the brother of his first wife.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

With the help of his family, Willmott-Brown will continue his mission to slowly take over Albert Square in a story of power, control, money and revenge.

We can reveal that the family are planning to destroy everything and anyone in their way – with it looking like the Carters are in big trouble thanks to Hugo's announcement tonight regarding The Vic.

However, Max has no idea of Willmott-Brown's history or connections to Walford, only that he claims to be a wronged man – like him.

This storyline has been secretly plotted since Max returned to Walford at Christmas and will come to a head over the coming months.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Those involved in the plan were sworn to secrecy about their involvement with Willmott-Brown and each other, but with each family member having their own agenda, can any of them really trust each other? And with ruthless Willmott-Brown ruling the clan, is anyone in Walford really safe?

Of course, there is one other person on Willmott-Brown's agenda: Kathy Beale, who he blames for ruining his life. What does Willmott-Brown's return mean for Kathy?

Speaking of his return to EastEnders, William Boyde said: "I'm delighted to immerse myself once more in the fascinating world of Soapland."

EastEnders continues on Monday, September 25 at 8pm on BBC One.


Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our EastEnders homepage

Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.

Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest EastEnders gossip, as Martin and Stacey's marriage hits the rocks and Michelle's stalker ordeal gets worse.

You Might Also Like