Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) proudly lights his torch

Walford has seen its fair share of flare-ups but it can now claim to have been home to a special type of Flame.

Billy Mitchell, (Perry Fenwick) passes on the Olympic Torch in tonight's EastEnders

EastEnders’ Billy Mitchell, played by Manor Park’s own Perry Fenwick, ran with the Olympic Torch for real, live in the fictional neighbourhood at about 9.24pm tonight.

He successfully completed the daunting task in front of his fellow cast and millions of soap fans.

Speaking immediately to a camera after his triumphant leg, he said: “It’s Billy Mitchell, 39, single, open to offers.”

Perry, 50, found out he would be a torchbearer just seven months ago and has been preparing ever since.

The soap’s cast and crew spent the whole weekend rehearsing for the seven minute live insert. It featured 31 actors and 450 extras.

True to EastEnders tradition, nothing went smoothly. He was delayed on a Tube train travelling back to Walford, lost his keys, and mislaid his trainers.

And in one scene, he was forced to break into his flat to change into his official torchbearer’s outfit.

To cap it all off, Billy’s granddaughter Lola also gave birth during the live part of the episode.