Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) attempts to take his own life in EastEnders next week.
The Walford stalwart’s mental health is currently spiralling, in a heartbreaking story that will see him suffer suicidal thoughts amid his loneliness.
From divorcing wife Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) to his son Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) being imprisoned in the US, and more recently, his ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) beginning a relationship with his cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), he hasn’t had it easy.
Feeling isolated from his family, he sold Peggy’s bar to Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), whilst gifting his half of The Boxing Den to old pal Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
Recent scenes have shown him lack interest in Ben’s wellbeing, when Callum Highway (Tony Clay) returned from visiting him in the States with some news.
He then failed to turn up at his birthday bash, telling Nice that he’d rather have a quiet night in.
Despite Sharon and rest of the extended clan staging interventions, nobody has been successful.
At the end of last week, Nigel explained his worst fears to her, and it became clear that they had to act quick to save him.
In upcoming scenes, he hears that cousin Billy (Perry Fenwick) has landed himself in financial difficulty ahead os his upcoming wedding, and secretly arranges to solve his monetary woes.
Nigel is urged by Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) to tell Phil about his dementia diagnosis, but he’s concerned that the knowledge will only make his mate’s condition worse.
After declining to join Nige in the pub, Phil rushes off. Instead of chasing after him, he decides to have dinner with his new friend Norma instead.
Sadly, at The Arches, Phil makes a decision that puts him in serious danger.
In heartbreaking scenes, he will make a suicide attempt.
Need support?
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Speaking of the story, soap boss Chris Clenshaw said: ‘Phil’s depression storyline will focus on his decline in mental health and the subsequent psychotic symptoms, and the reaction of those around him, as we hope to demonstrate how mental health can affect anyone at any time.
‘Steve’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary and has thoughtfully portrayed the complex realties of depression, and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding.’
The next day, when Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) arrives for work, he’s taken aback to find his boss in such a horrific state and is forced to call emergency services.
As Nigel heads to check in on Phil, he’s devastated to see him being carted off in the back of an ambulance.
Will Phil be ok? Unfortunately, we know that his condition is only going to get worse.
EastEnders 40th anniversary – Everything we know so far
Here's what EastEnders fans can expect as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on 19 February 2025:
A live episode
Having previously gone live for the 25th and 30th anniversaries in 2010 and 2015, the soap will be beaming live to the nation once again during the 40th week.
This instalment will air one day after the big 4-0, on Thursday February 20.
The episode will also mark a huge EastEnders first as bosses are giving the audience the power to vote on the outcome of one storyline, with the actors having to react to the result live on air – speaking of which…
Denise Fox decides... sort of.
With Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having found herself in a love triangle with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), fans will decide whether she reunites with her estranged husband Jack or picks her secret lover.
We also know that another 'history making' decision will be left to audiences to decide, with details yet to be announced.
Grant Mitchell returns
Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell to play a significant part in the 40th celebrations.
‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang,’ Ross teased.
Cindy Beale’s attacker revealed
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was left for dead when she was whacked over the head with a shovel by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded.
With the finger of suspicion currently pointing at numerous characters, Cindy’s attacker will be unmasked at last during the anniversary week.
Special programming
Ahead of the big week, BBC Four will broadcast EastEnders Sings at the BBC, a look back at archive performances from cast members from Top of the Pops.
Ross Kemp will take a trip down Walford memory lane with a special hour-long documentary called EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, taking fans behind the scenes as he delves into the show’s history and relieves some of the most memorable moments.
BBC Three will also offer viewers a look at the explosive anniversary storylines with a 45-minute interview special – EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In – hosted by Joe Swash as he chats to some of the actors who find themselves at the heart of the anniversary drama.
The Queen Vic explodes
As Billy and Honey Mitchell (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) prepare to walk down the aisle, their favourite boozer The Queen Victoria will burn to the ground.
Aerial pictures from filming show the pub blown to smithereens, with a car crashed into the side. There's also a marquee in the middle of the Square Gardens - is this from the wedding?
Recent pictures obtained by Metro show Steve McFadden filming in a cemetery with Isabella Brown, who plays granddaughter Lexi Pearce and Perry Fenwick, better known as Phil’s cousin Billy Mitchell.
Also in attendance are Paul Bradley, and Linda Carter actress Kellie Bright.
Phil can be seen full of emotion as he’s stood over mum Peggy’s grave. He takes a hug from Lexi as they lay flowers on her headstone, which is next to East End icon Pat Butcher’s.
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We also know that Peggy will be making a return in hallucinations suffered by Phil as his depression deepens. Suffering psychosis, we’ll see an event from 1985 through his eyes.
Jaime Winstone will be reprising her role as a young Peggy.
A number of other cast of the Mitchell flashback episode, which aired to acclaim in 2022, will reappear – Teddy Jay will return as Grant, George Russo as Eric and Daniel Delaney as Phil.
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Actor Sam Miles will take on the role of a younger Nigel.
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