What is wrong with Albie in EastEnders?
EASTENDERS’ Albie Watts was diagnosed with a rare condition in a shocking twist.
Here’s all we know about Albie, his diagnosis — and his real dad.
Who is Albie in EastEnders?
The EastEnders character Albie Dennis Watts, played by Arthur Gentleman since 2022, was born on February 14, 2020.
He is the son of Sharon Watts, played by Letitia Dean, who has been a fixture on the much-loved BBC One soap since 1985.
Albie has several half-siblings: Ben, Louise, Dennis Jr, and Raymond.
Albie was born on the same day that mother Sharon’s other son, Dennis, tragically drowned.
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After her terrible loss, Sharon believed she wouldn’t be able to cope with the new baby, so gave him to Karen Taylor, mother of Keanu, who was at the time believed to be Albie’s father.
Karen originally named the baby Kayden, but upon realising she needed her son back, called him Albie.
What condition does Albie have in EastEnders?
Sharon learned that her son Albie has a rare genetic disorder in the EastEnders episode that aired on November 15, 2023.
After a blood test, a doctor informed Sharon that Albie has the condition Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency.
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AAT deficiency isn’t an immediate worry but can increase the risk of lung conditions like COPD, and liver and skin diseases later in life.
After Keanu kidnapped Albie a couple of weeks previously, the tot had been having some tests at the hospital.
Sharon is told by the doctor that as it is a genetic condition, both parents must carry the gene.
So, both Sharon and Keanu, believed at the time to be Albie’s father, were given a blood test to check for the gene.
“It’s good news,” the doctor said.
“Neither of you have any raised levels on your kidney or liver tests. The test results show that you are the carrier of the gene but Mr Taylor you are not.”
The test reveals that Sharon carries the abnormal gene but Keanu doesn’t — in a shock twist, Sharon
But who is?
Who is Albie’s real dad in EastEnders?
In the doctor’s office, Sharon is asked if she was with anyone else around the time Albie was conceived, and viewers see her look out of the window towards Phil Mitchell, who is outside with Albie, and Keanu.
Viewers are left wondering who Albie’s father is if not Keanu.
EastEnders teased a possible revelation ahead of the episode set to air on November 16, 2023, with a quote from Sharon: “You have made a mistake, Albie can’t be Phil’s.”
Sharon has been in an on-off relationship with Phil, an icon of the London soap played by actor Steve McFadden, since 1990.
Sharon’s relationship with Phil was going sour, and in 2018 she began an affair with the much younger Keanu.
Although Sharon did a home DNA kit while pregnant, it seems that in a bombshell moment that’s left viewers reeling, Phil might be Albie’s dad after all.
Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to react:
“This is devastating for Sharon - this is her worst nightmare and she’s now tied to Phil for life. Their relationship was toxic”, said one.
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“God poor Sharon, Keanu is going to go mad when he finds out the truth”, wrote another.
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30 pm on BBC One.