Billie Jackson

Name: Billie Jackson
First Appeared: 2nd December 1993
Last Appeared: 14th October 2010
Played by: Devon Anderson

Billie Jackson was the youngest of four siblings and the apple of the Jackson family’s eye. His early years in Walford began in 1993 when he moved to Albert Square with his parents Carol and Alan, along with his siblings. Blossom Jackson, his great-grandmother, joined the family a year later, adding more love and warmth to the bustling household.

Billie’s close bond with his father was put to the test when Alan had an affair with the notorious Frankie Pierre, leading to Alan moving out. Billie took the separation hard, and on Christmas Day 1996, his distress prompted him to run away, causing most of the Square’s residents to abandon their Christmas dinners to search for him. Thankfully, he was found safe and sound by Nigel and Clare Bates, and the Jacksons managed to have a happy Christmas together after all.

In 1997, Billie experienced a terrifying ordeal when he and his great-grandmother Blossom were caught up in a building society robbery. Unharmed but shaken, Billie witnessed the thieves unmasked and provided crucial testimony that led to several arrests. The subsequent intimidation from the gang forced the Jackson family into a witness protection program, and they left Walford for their safety.

Billie made a brief return to the Square in June 2004 for Sonia’s wedding to Martin Fowler, where he enjoyed himself a bit too much, flirting with Vicki Fowler and getting quite drunk. His next significant return was in 2010 when he and Carol moved back to Albert Square after the death of his cousin Bradley Branning. Billie rekindled his relationship with Bianca’s adopted daughter, Whitney Dean, but his past with a gang and a hidden handgun brought danger to Walford. An attempted raid on The Queen Vic, involving Billie’s former gang mates, ended disastrously with his uncle Jack being critically injured.

Struggling with guilt and seeking redemption, Billie decided to join the army, despite Carol’s initial opposition. He had a turbulent relationship with Whitney, marked by misunderstandings and reconciliations. His time in the army changed him, and when he returned on leave, he ended his relationship with Whitney, revealing he had moved on with a new recruit. Carol’s attempt to throw him a birthday party led to a tragic turn of events. After a night of heavy drinking, Billie was found dead from alcohol poisoning the next morning. His death left the Jackson family heartbroken and his mother Carol grappling with a painful video message he left behind.