Honey Mitchell's world comes crashing down next week in EastEnders as Bea Pollard takes drastic action, exposing a secret plan in front of the entire pub. The kind-hearted market inspector, played by Emma Barton, has refused to believe what everyone else can see: Bea is manipulative and dangerous.
Honey's blind loyalty to Bea
Emma Barton explained her character's naivety: 'I think Honey feels that Bea is really misunderstood, and I think Honey can relate to that.' She added: 'A lot of people throughout Honey's life have always underestimated her, and thought she was a bit silly. Honey's always had to fight for approval in some ways.'
'I think Honey sees some similarities in Bea, and although everyone has such strong opinions of Bea, Honey sees the good, or rather wants to see the good in her. I think she thinks everyone treats Bea unfairly,' Barton said.
Bea's plan to destroy Honey and Billy
Bea wants Honey all to herself and is actively working to eliminate husband Billy Mitchell from the picture. After a disastrous date between the couple, Bea spots her chance to drive them further apart. Honey is vulnerable: 'She is currently very hormonal and very peri-menopausal, and she is doubting herself. She is doubting who she is as a woman, and I think the signal she's got from Billy, especially after this failed date, is maybe she's not attractive anymore,' Barton revealed.
Billy, fully aware of Bea's game, turns to Phil Mitchell for help. Phil gives Bea an envelope of cash, telling her to disappear from Albert Square for good. But Bea refuses to be intimidated.
Public humiliation in the Vic
Bea fires back at the Mitchells in the Queen Vic, revealing their plan in front of Honey while also accusing Billy of trying to sleep with her. 'This is the worst-case scenario that anyone could be put in. It's so embarrassing for Honey,' Barton said. 'It's humiliating as she feels she has been let down by the two closest people to her. Her husband, and what she believes is her best friend.'
'Her world has come crashing down in an instant, and she doesn't know what to do,' she added.
Behind the scenes
Despite the drama, Barton is enjoying the storyline: 'It's brilliant. I couldn't have wished to be working with anyone else on this story. When the cameras stop rolling, we have such a giggle, but it's been a dream, and I've loved every minute of it.'
