Yes I know on face value they seem to be very different and you would not immediately expect them to have a romance. But I do think it's something they should explore when Shirley returns.

Old ironballs Carter comes across as being vey aggresive, she's certainly got an attitude problem, someone who seems to stand up for themselves. Billy on the other hand is a weasel of a character, he's the one who hides in the shower instead of helping out his mate who was being murdered.

But they do actually have a lot in common, both of them clung to Phil Mitchell in the hope that they could achieve a much better street cred in Walford, both are losers in life. They seem to alienate those around them, Billy however hard he tried always seemed to let down his family, never being able to provide for them. Shirley could not handle motherhood, she ran out on her own children.

Neither of them would have won parent of the year, but now both of them are trying hard to redeem their past mistakes. Billy by taking in Lola and finally trying to turn her into a good person, Shirley was there for Ben and Jay to some extent before they betrayed her. We also recently saw her look out for Lola.

So when Shirley returns I think it could be a good avenue for them to explore, Billy would benefit from being with a woman who has a bit more personality about her than his exes, Shirley needs a man who would pay her the attention she so badly craved.

What does everyone else think? Could you see them together as a couple?

There is no one on this living earth who is suitable for Shirley.

She's so ghastly even a living saint would be reaching for the carving knife after five miinutes with her. She snaps, threatens, abuses, screams, uses violence at anyone who comes near her.

Due to her shitty personality only a fool would go near her. Christ knows how Phil has stuck her all these years.

That could be said for Billy at times too though. He's no innocent, but he has matured in recent times so perhaps he could be the calming influence she needs?

Tricky, can Shirley really recover from Heather's death?

Her personality is too destructive. When she was sleeping in the gutter the other week she looked like she belonged. She attacks anyone who gets close to her, she snarls at anyone who comes close, and just pushes the self destruct button all the time.

If EE was realistic she would be dead or in prison by now.

What so you'd rather we had her drunk and sprawled accross some trash bags crying about Heather? Bradley and Carol seemed to get over the deaths of their kids pretty quick, you have to move on fast in soapland.

Are you TRYING to give us nightmares?

Jeez.

<sits in corner and cries>

No if I wanted to give you nightmares I would have created a thread about a Cora/Mo romance. Or mentioned Rose in Hevs wedding dress!

BRB, I've got a date with a bottle of vodka, and a pharmacy's worth of pills.

The turns of Shirley getting it on with someone turns your stomach and at time of distress you turn to drink and drugs? Hang on, are you secretly Phil Mitchell?

No, it would have been just drink until you mentioned Rose in Hev's wedding dress.

Why would you do this to us?

For fun !

Has anyone got any comments about the OP?

Imagine the bed scenes.

Shirley and Derek would be better if we gots to go there.

Although I like Shirley single as the bad bitch.

I think Billy and Shirley would be a good match.

Though I think Phil would kill Billy for it.

My eyes!!! The goggles do nothing!

IMO the negatives outweigh the positives. Firstly, Billy and Shirley are, in the eyes of their family and the neighbourhood, second class Mitchells. Their pairing would continually call attention to their low status which could be damaging to their individual characters.

Secondly, during her relationship with Phil Shirley's bullying tendencies and sense of entitlement became more pronounced. Billy is a weak man and equally entitled. A couple with these personality traits could only bring out the worst in each other. Billy would be Shirley's new Heather and they'd become the neighbourhood grifters. Having Lola (a younger Shirley) living with them increases the likelihood that they would feed off each other's worst traits. Within a short time they would become the most unlikeable family in Walford.

Why not I'd reckon Shirley give anything a go.

Poor Billy hasn't had got his leg over a bird in quite some time so hopefully she'll be accomodating towards him.