EastEnders has confirmed a very special episode centring on Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) mental health recovery, with Keith Allen set to star.
Phil attempted to take his own life two weeks ago amid his battle with depression and, after support from Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), he was admitted to a mental health unit.
The legendary hard-man hasn’t been seen since Grant (Ross Kemp) paid him a visit prior to his exit, but a special episode set to air in the coming weeks will see him take centre stage.
The offering of the BBC One soap will be set across four weeks and will document Phil’s journey from the moment he starts his treatment, as he faces inner trauma and attempts to understand what may have contributed to his depression and symptoms of psychosis.
Phil is initially reluctant to open up in therapy and group activities, but he soon befriends another patient called Gaz, played by Keith Allen, after the pair bond over their shared life experience.
Discussing his role, Keith said: ‘I’ve written a number one hit single, I’ve presented Top of the Pops, I’ve played the lead in the West End and I was at Craven Cottage when we beat Juventus 4-1…Could it get better than that?
‘Well, yes, I’ve just guested in an episode of EastEnders…What a joy! And what an honour to be a part of Steve McFadden’s incredibly moving story line. I may be a resting actor but I now rest in peace.’
Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders Executive Producer added: ‘I’m delighted to welcome the incredibly talented Keith Allen to the cast of EastEnders as he takes on the guest role of Gaz in a special episode focusing on Phil’s mental health.
‘As Phil struggles to begin treatment, we explore how his relationship with fellow patient Gaz, helps Phil to take the first step in his road to recovery. Keith and Steve’s performances are both phenomenal, and thoughtfully and sensitively portray the complex realities of mental health recovery and the impact of hypermasculinity.’
EastEnders has worked closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure Phil’s story is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
