Ellis goads Billy into attacking him
JAY KONTZLE TELLS US WHY THERE’S SO MUCH TENSION BETWEEN HIS ALTER EGO BILLY AND HIS BROTHER ELLIS…
They say there’s nothing as beautiful as a bond between brothers – but the Dales’ Billy Fletcher and Ellis Chapman are proof that some siblings will never get along!
With a complicated family history, and the further problems caused by Billy’s stint in jail, it seems it’ll take nothing short of a miracle to reunite this pair. However, as Billy’s real-life alter ego Jay Kontzle tells us when he settles down for a chat, the ex-jailbird is determined to make amends for past mistakes. The question is, will Ellis ever learn to accept him?
Hello, Jay! How are the village residents taking to Billy?
Well, at first, he’s clashing with everyone, having arrived on such negative terms. Everyone’s a bit dubious about him entering the village, and what he’s planning on doing – his presence causes drama! However, he has some nice traits, so I think that he’ll win everyone over. He’s on the wrong side of the tracks right now, but he’s not as bad as people make out.
Do you reckon you would be friends with Billy in real life?
Definitely! Although there are some elements to him that would make you want to keep your distance. He’s lost his dad, and so he’s searching for that father figure. He’s looking for a friend, too – someone his own age to provide a shoulder to cry on.
What’s the reason behind Ellis and Billy’s fraught relationship?
When they were growing up, Ellis felt overshadowed by Billy. They have different fathers, and Jessie and Billy had a special bond, because of their shared love for Billy’s dad, who died. So Billy’s always been the golden son to Jessie, and Ellis feels intimidated by that.
What is it that causes Billy and Ellis to have a fight this week?
There’s an issue between Billy and Aaron, because they were in jail with each other. Robert wants to protect Aaron, and do whatever’s possible to get Billy out of the village. So Robert speaks to Ellis and stirs it up, saying that
Billy is getting close to Victoria, which stresses Ellis out! Robert is aware of the friction between the brothers, so he pushes Ellis to a point where he
accuses Billy of trying to get with Victoria. Ellis then pushes it further, by bringing up Billy’s dead father.
So Billy ends up attacking Ellis! How does Billy feel after he’s punched his brother?
He’s deflated. He’s destroyed inside because he knows that he has let his mum down. He wanted to sort things out and build bridges. Billy thinks Ellis has managed to get what he wanted, as he thinks he could be sent back to jail.
How does Billy feel when Marlon throws him out?
He has mixed emotions. He’s angry because of the new man who’s come into his mother’s life, taking control. At the same time, he’s disappointed in himself, that he’s let someone else down. And deep inside, he realises this.
How does Jessie feel, being caught in the middle of her sons’ squabbles?
She’s upset. I think she’s torn between the two brothers, and whether to believe Ellis or Billy. Her relationship with Marlon is deteriorating because of all this friction, so she feels very down.
Does Billy think his mother will always side with him?
I think so – right up until the moment he hits Ellis! He’s a bit sceptical now that he’s lashed out. She’s never seen him react like that before, so he’s now become quite concerned that no one else is there for him.
And he fears going back to jail?
Yes, he’s very worried! He didn’t have a good experience in jail. He’s claustrophobic, so hated being locked up. If he were sent back to jail, it’d have a huge emotional effect on him.
Will Billy and Ellis ever bury the hatchet and become friends?
Well, I hope so, because Asan [N’jie, who plays Ellis] and I are best buddies! I think bridges can be built between the two of them – but not right now. There’s a lot more trouble to come, before they can create a bond…