A possible new romance turns sour for Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) in EastEnders next week as he continues to struggle with his mental health.
The Walford stalwart has become increasingly lonely and isolated in the wake of his divorce from Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and the imprisonment of son Ben (Max Bowden).
He’s also had to witness his ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) begin a new relationship with his cousin Teddy (Roland Manookian), and has subsequently begun to sell or give away his business assets.
Next week, Phil ends up in a dangerous situation after a double date with friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) goes wrong.
Nigel recently met a woman called Norma at the community centre, and after some encouraging words from Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter), the pair agree to a date.
When Norma arrives at The Vic, she’s brought her friend Livi with her, so Nigel asks reluctant Phil to join them.
However, things take a turn when Livi spots Phil’s low mood and he rushes off.
Nigel contemplates going after him but decides to have dinner with Norma instead. But over at The Arches, Phil’s actions put him in serious danger.
The following day, Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) arrives for work at The Arches and finds Phil in a dire predicament.
Meanwhile, Nigel heads off to check on Phil and is horrified to see him being loaded into an ambulance.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Phil’s struggle with loneliness further evolve and see him experiencing psychosis and hallucinations, which then will lead to a suicide attempt.
It’s likely that the story will tie in with the long-awaited return of Ross Kemp as his brother Grant.
A spokesperson for the show explained: ‘The storyline will follow Phil, and the characters closest to him, as Phil’s depression takes hold and his psychotic symptoms intensify, with the character experiencing hallucinations at the crisis point where he starts to believe his life is no longer worth living.’
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: ‘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 realities of depression, and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding.’
