Vulnerable Phil returns in EastEnders and instantly makes a huge mistake

Ash Percival

Published March 17, 2025 11:59pm Updated March 18, 2025 10:52am

Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell in EastEnders, with an absolutely broken and tearful expression. — Phil Mitchell is back in Walford next week (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) returns home to Walford after discharging himself from a mental health unit next week, but soon finds he has made a huge mistake concerning his friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).

The Albert Square legend is currently receiving treatment off-screen after a devastating suicide attempt during the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary episodes last month.

Fans will get an insight into Phil’s four-week stay in the unit during a special episode later this week, which culminates in him deciding he is well enough to leave.

Upon arriving home, Phil is feeling grateful for the support of his family and Nigel but isn’t ready for his friends and neighbours to know where he’s been.

However, Phil soon puts his relationship with Nigel at risk when there is an incident at the café.

When Nigel, who has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, starts making some mistake, Phil blurts out to a frustrated Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) that he is ill.

Nigel Bates supports Phil Mitchell at a mental health group in EastEnders — Phil puts his foot in it with Nigel Bates (Picture: BBC)

An angry Nigel snaps back, sharing a secret of Phil’s.

After the two men have cooled off, Nigel is deeply apologetic to Phil, who tries to front it out.

With word having got back to a concerned George Knight (Colin Salmon), he asks Phil’s confidante Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) how he can be there for his friend.