View Full Version : TV tot has downs
Xx-Vicky-xX
22-07-2006, 10:27
It has been reported in todays Sun that Honey & Billy's baby will have Downs Syndrome when Honey gives birth on the day of their 3rd attempt at getting married.
aaawww thats a shame...but good for bringing awareness - where did you read this
inkyskin
22-07-2006, 10:45
aaawww thats a shame...but good for bringing awareness - where did you read this
I think 'today's SUN' gives it away!:searchme:
Have found the article here in todays sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006330789,,00.html) :D
Well done to Eastenders for highlighting this. Have any other soaps covered this issue yet??
Xx-Vicky-xX
22-07-2006, 12:30
While i think it is great Eastenders are useing this for a story i dont agree it should be Honey's baby, they have had 2 (soon to be 3) disasterous attempts at getting married what else will they have to go through, they have only been a couple for about a year maybe a bit less and they already have had enough to make a spin off about them (okay maybe not but you know what i mean)
Though i do say well done to them for doing it, i hope the rest of the soaps dont decide to copy them in a few months this story could bring back their badly fallen ratings.
lollymay
22-07-2006, 12:34
This is going to be a really good storyline- very sad though!
but i think its the wrong family to bring it into what with -
billy, having all the greif with little mo and freddie
honey, having her mum die
and having bad weddings.
it just seems like too much tragity for one family to cope with!
Who else in EE at the moment could have a Downs baby though ?? I think its great that they are doing this and with Honey and Billy too. There is no one else in Walford that are in a relationship "stable" enough for a pregnancy and whilst they've had 3 disastrous attempts at getting married already, it will show that having a Downs baby isn't a bad thing, its nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about and its something that anyone of any age can go through. Shes 30 so is at an age where the likelihood of having a Downs baby starts increasing. And because Honey and Billy want this child so much, I think they are the best couple to portray this through.
Xx-Vicky-xX
22-07-2006, 12:43
Who else in EE at the moment could have a Downs baby though ?? I think its great that they are doing this and with Honey and Billy too. There is no one else in Walford that are in a relationship "stable" enough for a pregnancy and whilst they've had 3 disastrous attempts at getting married already, it will show that having a Downs baby isn't a bad thing, its nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about and its something that anyone of any age can go through. Shes 30 so is at an age where the likelihood of having a Downs baby starts increasing. And because Honey and Billy want this child so much, I think they are the best couple to portray this through.
Yeh i agree with that to an extent but i think they have been through so much in the short time they have been together, how much can one couple take but i do agree with you though about Honey and Billy being the best fitted couple, i think alot of people like Billy and Honey so they will really feel for them in this and probably understand it because they are a couple you want to watch go through it.
Have found the article here in todays sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006330789,,00.html) :D
Well done to Eastenders for highlighting this. Have any other soaps covered this issue yet??
brookside covered this with max's little girl alice
Xx-Vicky-xX
22-07-2006, 16:17
brookside covered this with max's little girl alice
Max Farnham? I didnt know his daughter had downs
Jenna_Coleman
22-07-2006, 17:16
Max's daughter? She never had downs did she?:hmm:
DaVeyWaVey
22-07-2006, 18:25
I read this in the Sun today too, and i think this is an excellent story for Eastenders to tackle. It will bring up high ratings i think because of it being such a tragic issue. I am glad they have gave this storyline to Billy and Honey too (not because i want their baby to have Downs) but to see how the newlyweds cope with it.
Jada-GDR
22-07-2006, 20:01
This is going to be a really good storyline- very sad though!
but i think its the wrong family to bring it into what with -
billy, having all the greif with little mo and freddie
honey, having her mum die
and having bad weddings.
it just seems like too much tragity for one family to cope with!
uh.. welcome to eastenders! :D
diamond1
22-07-2006, 20:59
although it is sad...its an issue that should be brought to light and perry fenwick should do justice to this storyline,this is ironcly typical of billy's bad luck but him and honey should do it justice and could win him best actor at next years soap awards
Max's daughter? She never had downs did she?:hmm: Alice ( was that her name) did, so I've just discovered. Although it was a few years back now, so good that EE are covering this issue again.
.:SpIcYsPy:.
22-07-2006, 22:24
I think it's really got that EastEnders are going to be highlighting this issue. This will be very sad but it's happens in life :(
Dutchgirl
23-07-2006, 16:43
Well good luck to Billy and Honey, they are the only ones within EE who are stable and loving enough to cope.
x Amby x
25-07-2006, 18:31
Awww this will be heartbreaking! Poor Billy and Honey! I think its great that EastEnders are tackling this issue and im sure we'll see some great acting come out of it!
Johnny Allen
25-07-2006, 22:18
this is a realistic storyline that I hope Eastenders can do real justice to do.
Who else in EE at the moment could have a Downs baby though ??
isnt' it rumoured that Stacey is pregnant for Bradley?? I reckon it would be billy and honey though
DaVeyWaVey
26-07-2006, 12:49
isnt' it rumoured that Stacey is pregnant for Bradley?? I reckon it would be billy and honey though
Yeah that rumour has been going round...but i think it's actually happening. I think it will be Billy and Honey having the downs baby though, i think the storyline would be better for Billy and Honey.
Yeah that rumour has been going round...but i think it's actually happening. I think it will be Billy and Honey having the downs baby though, i think the storyline would be better for Billy and Honey.
Yeah I read the articule in the sun and what I like about it was that they said EE was going to use an child with DS when the baby got older, which means they have no plan to kill the baby or adopt it out. I hope they do this real justice
In The Know
31-07-2006, 15:47
I can't wait to see this. According to All About Soap its the first in a long line of real hard issues EastEnders will be doing over the Autumn & Winter months.
the_watts_rule
31-07-2006, 15:50
I heard about this, I think it is a good storyline, lets just hope the storyline is written well.
In The Know
31-07-2006, 15:56
Its looking like it will be one of the Autumn highlights.
Emmak2005
01-08-2006, 18:44
Since mine was closed here is what I said in post about the baby. This autumn Billy Mitchell & Honey attempt to marry for a 3rd time, and with Honey heavily pregnant by then you can tell it's not just going to go all plain sailing - especially at a Mitchell Wedding.
But there will also be a tragedy befalling the couple. Honey goes into labour during her wedding - and Billy is then left with the tough decision to tell her that their child has downs syndrome. The baby will be a girl, and they will rename her Petal (originally going to be name Janet after Honey's mother).
So this autumn will be an emotionally charged time for the newlyweds. Question is can they both cope with the news. It'll be interesting to see how this storyline pans out - because it could show the positives of having a child with downs - instead of portraying all the negatives. Or it could just show a bit of both.
Source: Inside Soap (6-12 August 2006)
littlemo
03-08-2006, 14:19
It's a good storyline, but Billy has no luck does he?, first everything going on with Freddie, and now when he finally has a baby it ends up having downs syndrome. I definetely think they'll handle this. Billy has had a lot of practice with Little Mo, coping with difficult situations, and I'm sure he'll be a tower of strength.
EE Rocks
31-08-2006, 23:50
I am soo excited it starts next week. I found a picture of it, poor Honey http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds36397.html
It is great Eastenders are doing this. I have a lot of respect for ee and hollyoaks, while Hollyoaks may not be my fave they both do such hard-hitting storylines!! I think Emma is a great actress, and will no doubt pull it off well.
EE will do its usual cack handed way of dealing with this sensitive story just like they did with Dot's two week cancer storyline. The writers havent the ability to explore Downs syndrome in depth and they certainly havent any actors capable of carrying it out. Leave the sensitive storylines to the soaps that can carry them out.
DaVeyWaVey
01-09-2006, 00:15
EE will do its usual cack handed way of dealing with this sensitive story just like they did with Dot's two week cancer storyline. The writers havent the ability to explore Downs syndrome in depth and they certainly havent any actors capable of carrying it out. Leave the sensitive storylines to the soaps that can carry them out.
I disagree, i think EE will have the ability to do this storyline and issue some justice and i think both Emma and Perry will act it out brilliantly, i think the producers gave this storyline to the right couple. It's good that EE is tackling such a serious issue.
I have every confidence this storyline will do well, we'll just have to see how it all pans out.
I disagree, i think EE will have the ability to do this storyline and issue some justice and i think both Emma and Perry will act it out brilliantly, i think the producers gave this storyline to the right couple. It's good that EE is tackling such a serious issue.
I have every confidence this storyline will do well, we'll just have to see how it all pans out. Time was when EE writers would have had the ability to make this a hard hitting storyline which would have grabbed the nations attention. I am basing my opinion on the way they have handled recent high profile stories which have had the potential to be great. They go for the quick headline grabbing 'Sensational' and 'EXPLOSIVE' story which last a couple of weeks and then the bubble bursts. Dot's cancer storyline was a prime example. They had a great idea and were using one of EE's best actresses but the whole thing was let down by rubbish writing.
I of course hope I'm proved wrong but on recent form and previous experience I feel my pessimism will be justified.
EE Rocks
01-09-2006, 09:29
I think they'll do it justice just like with all these http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_issues.shtml
I think they'll do it justice just like with all these http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_issues.shtml
Yes most of those were well handled especially Kathy's Rape and Mo and Trevor. However they went on to ruin Mo's character with the pointless second rape.
I dont imagine they did much for the cause of Kidney Transplants with the ridiculous Ferreria Kidneygate storyline. As I said previously they had superb potential with Dot's cancer storyline and blew it totally. They could have gotten over a strong anti smoking message there.
Richie_lecturer
01-09-2006, 13:54
I think they'll do it justice just like with all these http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_issues.shtml
Yes very well handled, just like Keef's illiteracy problem, where he was somehow able to read the teamsheets of his squad during the Real Walford storyline, and read a TV guide.
Although to be fair, the rest of those examples were very well handled, when EE really was a work of art.
Out of all the examples I don't think Keith's was handled properly.. the rest were very well done but they were great actors involved in the storylines. Even the story of Ethel killing herself was handled really well, showing Dot wanting remorse for what she did.. I hope they handle this well
Dutchgirl
03-09-2006, 10:55
2 September 2006
MATCHED AND HATCHED
Honey and Billy marry at their third attempt, but there is despair after the bride gives birth..
SHOULD anyone think that it’s going to be third time lucky for the hapless bride and groom, Honey and Billy, then they’re having a laugh.
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m2/aug2006/8/9/63C6F42F-F0DE-4961-96175332431E546A.jpg
In June, their wedding was interrupted by Honey being rushed into hospital with food poisoning. And in July, Billy was waylaid by a series of hilarious mishaps that prevented him from even getting to the church at all.
‘Stop worryin’,’ Phil tells wedding planner Peggy. ‘Everyfing’s gunna go like clockwork. You’ve got all the bases covered, ain’tcha?’
Well, apart from an ambulance, midwife and emergency delivery room on stand by, yes... For if there’s anything guaranteed to induce the birth of Honey’s baby one month early then it’s everything that happens on Monday.
A secret wedding that the bride is bustled along to by Peggy in bossy overdrive. The realisation that she is technically going to spend the rest of her life with a dope like Billy No-Mates. And the sight of best man Phil’s knobbly knees as he sashays around in a kilt. Yikes.
But let’s give credit where it’s due for a soap that, with a few exceptions such as the stories involving the Beales and the Brannings, has been dull, contrived and tedious. This week, Enders is at its absolute classic best.
Monday and Tuesday’s episodes are an hilarious romantic comedy (http://www.mirror.co.uk/tvandfilm/soapbox/tm_objectid=17657398%26method=full%26siteid=94762% 26headline=matched%2dand%2dhatched%2d-name_page.html#) as Honey goes into labour halfway through the ceremony.
‘Please carry on (http://www.mirror.co.uk/tvandfilm/soapbox/tm_objectid=17657398%26method=full%26siteid=94762% 26headline=matched%2dand%2dhatched%2d-name_page.html#), vicar,’ the pregnant bride pleads. ‘We’ve got this far. I’d like our baby to be born on the right side of the duvet...’
With her waters breaking just after they say ‘I do’, there is a mad dash to the hospital in dad Jack’s Land Rover, accompanied by a fretful Peggy, Honey’s twittering Aunt Caroline - played by veteran actress Una Stubbs - and a terrified groom in full morning dress.
Magnificently played by Emma Barton and Perry Fenwick, Honey and Billy are characters we actually care about as she goes into a particularly painful labour and he faints.
‘An’ ‘ow many babies ‘ave you ‘ad,’ a huffing Honey hollers at the midwife. ‘Well, shut yer bloody gob an’ get me a bloody epidoodle!’
As Dot predicted, she joyfully gives birth to a baby girl who, as planned, they name after Honey’s mother who died giving birth to her.
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m2/aug2006/7/9/63C68D11-DBD4-4733-EED6A1612C3BDA1C.jpg
‘You know,’ Honey tenderly tells Billy as she lovingly cradles the infant, ‘marryin’ you an’ ‘avin’ Janet, it’s been the best day of my life. She’s perfect, isn’t she?’
Unfortunately not... And Thursday and Friday’s episodes are a complete contrast of devastation, hurt, anger and despair. So when they wish that Janet has ‘wealth, health (http://www.mirror.co.uk/tvandfilm/soapbox/tm_objectid=17657398%26method=full%26siteid=94762% 26headline=matched%2dand%2dhatched%2d-name_page.html#), beauty and brains’, they should know that a Mitchell baby is always going to be denied that kind of good fortune. In what promises to be one of the most powerful storylines in soapland this year, tests establish that Janet has Down’s syndrome.
There are moving scenes as they try to deal with their shock and mixed emotions. ‘Love ‘er, that’s all you can do,’ Pat tells Billy. ‘She’s your baby girl. Just love ‘er...’
Soapbox, Mirror
JustJodi
03-09-2006, 22:34
EE will do its usual cack handed way of dealing with this sensitive story just like they did with Dot's two week cancer storyline. The writers havent the ability to explore Downs syndrome in depth and they certainly havent any actors capable of carrying it out. Leave the sensitive storylines to the soaps that can carry them out.
Alan thank god I will be spared witnessing Emma and Perry Thurs and Fri...
I agree the EE writers will screw the Downs Syndrome story line , cos they fail to research any thing ......:thumbsdow
Alan thank god I will be spared witnessing Emma and Perry Thurs and Fri...
I agree the EE writers will screw the Downs Syndrome story line , cos they fail to research any thing ......:thumbsdow Actually I do hope they shock me by making a good job of this emotive storyline. They have a golden opportunity to highlight the whole issue of Down's Syndrome which touches a lot of families in the nation. I have expeience in dealing with Down's sufferers and their families so it will be interesting to watch if handled well
JustJodi
04-09-2006, 17:19
Actually I do hope they shock me by making a good job of this emotive storyline. They have a golden opportunity to highlight the whole issue of Down's Syndrome which touches a lot of families in the nation. I have expeience in dealing with Down's sufferers and their families so it will be interesting to watch if handled well
E mail me and let me know how they handle it,, will check my e mail while I am on the road ...cos i am curious too !!!!!!!!!!!
Dutchgirl
09-09-2006, 13:35
E mail me and let me know how they handle it,, will check my e mail while I am on the road ...cos i am curious too !!!!!!!!!!!
Well JJ, I do think they have handled the storyline very good so far.
But there is more to come.......
9 September 2006
DOWN AND TROUBLED
By Tony Stewart
DEALING with an issue as sensitive as a baby being born with Down’s syndrome as a soap storyline is bound to offend some people. But at its best, Enders has never avoided controversial themes.
http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m2/sep2006/3/6/8D15580C-F3C9-FA72-695D35BE347CA13B.jpg
And Honey and Billy Mitchell coming to terms with their plight over daughter Janet is certainly that. Emotionally, it’s raw, harsh and brutally honest. Sadly, they are having such difficulty in coping that they not only want to keep her condition a secret, but disown their little girl, too.
Getting into a row on the fifth anniversary of 9/11 at least puts the situation into perspective for Billy. Although the incident on the London tube comes over as a contrived and heavy-handed metaphor, it makes him face up to his ordeal. ‘The sooner we can say the words,’ he tells his distressed wife, ‘the sooner everyfing will be more normal. Our baby ’as got Down’s syndrome…’
Unfortunately, that is too much for Honey to bear. She rejects Janet and then tries to deny her very existence. But, perversely, being told the infant has a serious heart condition, gives her hope.
‘The worst’s already ’appened. If it did die…’ she tells Billy. ‘Whoa! What’s this “it”?’ he fumes. ‘What else are we meant to call it?’ Honey continues. ‘It’s not Janet. Think, we could go home. We could try again. I don’t want it to suffer. Baby would suffer a helluva lot more if it survived. If it died, it would be better for everyone.’
Wallowing in self-pity and punching Phil isn’t the answer for Billy, but again it brings him to his senses. ‘I will fight all your battles for you,’ he tenderly promises Janet on Friday. ‘Because I am gunna be the best dad you ever ever ’ave.’
Let’s hope she also has a caring mum…
Soapbox, Mirror
Well I have to admit it EE has at last got it right. So far the story about Billy and Honey's baby has been well written and well acted. It was even worth watching the drivel of the pantomime wedding with Dame Poison Dwarf:sick:
Well done to those involved in the Downs story:clap: So far so good A big thumbs down to those involved in the pile of:moonie: poo:sick: that was the daftest wedding of the year.:thumbsdow
Jessie Wallace
10-09-2006, 23:05
Well I have to admit it EE has at last got it right. So far the story about Billy and Honey's baby has been well written and well acted. It was even worth watching the drivel of the pantomime wedding with Dame Poison Dwarf:sick:
Well done to those involved in the Downs story:clap: So far so good A big thumbs down to those involved in the pile of:moonie: poo:sick: that was the daftest wedding of the year.:thumbsdow
Screen Prints and put's as Screen saver for future reference! We just gotta Love ya Alan :wub:
Screen Prints and put's as Screen saver for future reference! We just gotta Love ya Alan :wub: Credit where credits due. I always said if EE got good again I would be the first to praise it:)
Jessie Wallace
11-09-2006, 00:09
Credit where credits due. I always said if EE got good again I would be the first to praise it:)
You've made me a very happy lady hun
lisa cullumbine
19-09-2006, 12:54
:searchme: anyone no if honey and billy do give their baby up for adoption?
somehow i cant see it as billy is getting used to the idea now but this is a soap afterall
:searchme: anyone no if honey and billy do give their baby up for adoption?
somehow i cant see it as billy is getting used to the idea now but this is a soap afterall
I don't think they are.. I remember reading something saying they have lined up a child with Downs to play the older Petal
crazygirl
23-09-2006, 18:36
sharon marshall was saying that honey finally accepts her baby.....how sweet
crystalsea
27-09-2006, 15:07
I believe in the spoilers it says something about things being nice for all three of them so sounds like it will be a happier ending. I have enjoyed watching them interact as an odd family unit. Do you think that Jack and Peggy will no longer get it together as she tried to get him to persuade Honey to look at the other options - i.e. adoption etc.
p.s. Alan who is Dame Poison Dwarf - is it Peggy? Ta
I believe in the spoilers it says something about things being nice for all three of them so sounds like it will be a happier ending. I have enjoyed watching them interact as an odd family unit. Do you think that Jack and Peggy will no longer get it together as she tried to get him to persuade Honey to look at the other options - i.e. adoption etc.
p.s. Alan who is Dame Poison Dwarf - is it Peggy? Ta
Yeah that is peggy.. I can't see Jack and peggy staying together, Peggy is obviously ashamed to have a downs child bare the Mitchel name...
Xx-Vicky-xX
27-09-2006, 15:56
Peggy is driving me mad at the moment, so the baby has downs, who cares? many parents cope fine with a downs baby, yeah there are probably times when its hard but if you just think about it positivly as Billy seems to be it can be done and they grow up in to really great people, Peggy shouldnt be mean to the pair of them im sure once they accept it they will be fine and cope really well with it and Peggy shouldnt doubt their ability and strength to do it because anyone can if they want to.
Eastenders are doing the story very well think, as much as id like to tell Peggy where she can stick her opinions her reaction reflects how some people do feel about family members bringing up a child with downs, my mum works with people with downs and some of their parents had issues with family behaving like Peggy is.
crystalsea
27-09-2006, 16:18
Thanks Sioban - re poison dwarf.
Thats interesting Vicki about how they have managed to portray well the issues of some family members.
It is a tough decision to make, and the initial shock because everyone wants their baby to be perfect and healthy. I hope they continue to develop this area with good research, because there are other problems and worries about how long the child is expected to live, and how much additional care do they need to provide, plus a break like all parents etc.
but there is so many "what if" with this.. I know a girl who was born handicapped and the discease she had nobody else with it lived past the age of 3.. She is now 18 and is flown around the world for research. My personal belief it that it is her family that keeps her going. Her grandfather took over her care for the beginning and she loves been around him so sometimes just having that care from family is enough to keep someone going
I hope EE let Honey and Billy bring up the child
Xx-Vicky-xX
27-09-2006, 19:46
Yeah i really hope they do aswell, i think it would be wrong to let them give the baby up now, Billy has expressed such love towards that baby, i know he would just do it to make Honey happy but to be honest if they give her up i dont think Honey would ever be happy she will always wonder how her daughter is doing and besides like i said before i think if they want to bring that baby up then they can.
Mr Humphries
30-09-2006, 08:32
My Sister is handicapped and has been since birth and is now 31!! She suffers from Ceberable Pausey (Spelt Wrong I Know). I really hate this storyline, a baby with this condition is nothing out of the ordinary and yes they do need alot of care but then so do a lot of normal children these days too.
I never found myself so angry with Barbara Windsor last night and vile things she has been saying and whilst I know its just acting, if I saw Peggy Mitchell in the street, I would spit in her face !
:angry:
CrazyLea
30-09-2006, 18:18
My Sister is handicapped and has been since birth and is now 31!! She suffers from Ceberable Pausey (Spelt Wrong I Know)
Ceberal Palsy is a lot different though. But I do agree with the Peggy thing though. She's really anoying me, the things she's saying is disgusting :eek:
I don't think they will give her up. I read in The Tv Mag today that Honey bonds with Petal in the coming week.
peggy is really doing my head in with this storyline. but then jack aint helping either i was practically shouting at the screen today when cathing up. I wish he would just put her in her place...for what she said just saying that he'll stand by them whatever they decide wasnt enough for me. Im sure if phill heard her talking like that about the baby he wouldnt take long in putting her in her place!!!
Mr Humphries
01-10-2006, 12:19
I know its only fiction, but it really does not help the lower member of society who don't understand about downs, when Peggy is making all this fuss!
It will only fuel, naming calling in the streets to people with Downs. Soaps should be used to educated people on topics like this !:nono:
Xx-Vicky-xX
01-10-2006, 12:24
While i agree with that about it should be educating people about downs i also think Peggy being the way she is in a way is good, i dont agree with her i think shes totally wrong and out of order but like i said before some relatives do act that way and Eastenders is showing that
Mr Humphries
01-10-2006, 12:59
In fairness to Eastenders its a difficult storyline and Peggy being the way she is, makes her the lesser of two evils
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