EastEnders aired the exit of one of its most controversial villains, Bea Pollard, on Wednesday, with a final scene that left fans convinced she would never learn her lesson. The character, played by an unnamed actress, had spent months manipulating and isolating Honey Mitchell, going so far as to fake her own death to maintain control.
Bea's Manipulative Reign Ends
For months, viewers watched as Bea sunk her claws into Honey Mitchell, slowly isolating her from everyone else. Desperate to be the only person in Honey's life, Bea set up a fake dating profile for Honey's husband Billy, claiming he was cheating. When she began to lose her grip, Bea faked her own death. Earlier this week, Honey and Bea met again, leading to an argument where Honey fell and hit her head. Upon waking, she was locked in a cottage with Bea, who was determined to keep them together forever. Honey escaped, and Bea was arrested at the end of Tuesday's episode.
Final Scene Lacks Remorse
Some thought that would be the end for Bea, but her final scene played out on Wednesday. Her old schoolmate, Linda Carter, visited Bea in prison to apologise for bullying her in school. Bea did not take kindly to Linda's words. When Linda said she had taken accountability for her actions and that Bea needed to do the same, Bea responded that she had nothing to work out. Bea utterly lacked remorse when confronted about how she latched onto people and destroyed their lives when they did not want to be her friend anymore.
This was made abundantly clear when her lawyer was brought in. The solicitor's name was Mrs Bumble, and upon hearing that, Bea got a crazed look in her eye and declared they would be the "best of friends." Linda looked on in horror before turning to Jack Branning and saying she had tried to help and would not try anymore.
Fan Reactions
Fans were sure this meant Bea had found a new victim. One viewer said: "Bea's already found her new BFF, hopefully the judge requests for mandatory therapy sessions." Another added: "Enjoyed the sting in the Bea story today, with the deranged begafriend setting her sights on another word-associated victim, duty solicitor MRS Bumble. Nice, circular, insane plotting." A third praised the soap for ending Bea's story with a scene with Linda, the very person who brought Bea to the Square. "I loved this final scene between Bea and Linda," they wrote. "The perfect full circle moment with it being 6 months ago this week since Linda reunited with Bea at her school reunion."
Another Villain Returns
Bea's exit comes just after another villain made their comeback. Gray Atkins, a serial killer who terrorised the Square and killed Tina Carter, Kush Kazemi, and his wife Chantelle Atkins in 2022, has been seen again in prison. His grandmother has been supplying him with pictures of his son Jordan. Gray appeared in Wednesday's episode as well, pressuring Sheila to get a video of Jordan for him.
