Betty (also known as Auntie Betty) made her only appearance on 20 June 1996. She is portrayed by Vivienne Martin.
Storylines
Betty is Arthur Fowler's aunt from Leigh-on-Sea.
Betty is mentioned several times prior to her appearance; in 1986, Arthur, his wife Pauline Fowler and daughter Michelle Fowler tell Pauline's mother, Lou Beale, that they are visiting Betty, when in reality they are searching for their missing son Mark Fowler in Southend-on-Sea. Later in the year, Arthur considers begging Betty for money towards Michelle's wedding to Lofty Holloway; he does, but instead of money she sends Michelle a note about "what to expect of married life".
In 1988, an ailing Lou spends some time in Leigh-on-Sea with Betty, before returning home to die.
Betty appears in 1996 for Arthur's funeral, with her boyfriend Gerard. Betty is greeted by Pauline Fowler and Mark Fowler, while Gerard makes rude and insensitive remarks about Arthur despite never meeting him, disturbing many of those present. Betty clashes with Nellie Ellis, continuing a long-standing feud dating back to World War II, when Betty had relationships with several men, including Nellie's boyfriend at the time. In 2004, Pauline names her dog after her.
