Billy and Honey have been through plenty of drama in recent weeks ? not least the double debacle of two failed attempts to tie the knot. Now we can reveal that the Albert Square couple are set for yet more anguish, when Honey gives birth to a baby with Down?s syndrome. The first-time mum will go into labour as she finally weds Billy - and tries to fight off her contractions to ensure the child is born in wedlock.
The baby starts to arrive just as the vicar pronounces the couple man and wife. But joy soon turns to tears when the doctor tells Billy of the child?s disability. A devastated Billy will break the news to his new wife in one of the soap?s most moving scenes ever.
The pair originally call the baby Janet - after Honey?s mum - but later decide to change her name to the rather more fragrant Petal. EastEnders bosses have already filmed the birth scenes, but will use a baby with Down?s Syndrome to play the little 'un as she grows older.
Carol Boys, of the Down?s Syndrome Association, said: ?We are delighted that EastEnders should feature a baby with Down?s syndrome. What a great way to get the message across that having a baby with Down?s syndrome is not the end of the world.?
Published 27 July 2006