George Knight (Colin Salmon) thinks up a way to help best pal Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) amid his mental health battle in EastEnders next week.
The Queen Vic landlord has battled a number of his own demons over the last year, following the discovery that his adoptive dad had murdered his birth father in a bid to keep him beyond their initial baby farming agreement.
He then learnt that he had two brothers that lived in Ghana, and has subsequently invited one of them to live with him.
Just as his life began to get back on track, George then found out that his ex-wife Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) had been sleeping with his eldest son Junior (Micah Balfour).
To round off an eventful twelve months, his home and livelihood was destroyed by a catastrophic explosion.
Throughout his turmoil, Phil was always there for George – and in upcoming scenes, he comes up with a perfect idea to repay his kindness.
Having spent time in a psychiatric hospital, Phil returns to Albert Square next week and is reluctant to tell his neighbours where he’s been.
Last month, viewers saw the stalwart’s mental health seriously decline, to the point he contemplated taking his own life.
After finding a number of letters addressed to his nearest and dearest, old mate Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) alerted his brother Grant (Ross Kemp) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) to the unsettling manner.
They raced to find Phil, who was alone in the garage and aiming a gun at his head.
Once settled at home, he’s thankful for the immense support he has received.
Later, Phil heads to the café with Nigel, who stumbles over his words, prompting Phil to blurt out to Bernie that he is suffering from young-onset dementia.
This angers Nigel, who snaps back in frustration. As the week progresses, he apologises for revealing Phil’s secret.
Phil puts on a brave face as he comes face to face with George for the first time since his hospitalisation, though the men find themselves unable to have an open and honest conversation.
Seeking advice, George asks Linda how she thinks he can best help Phil, and is encouraged to keep trying to talk to him.
Determined, George invites him for a friendly sparring session at the gym, and a distracted Phil gradually starts to open up.
This sparks an idea for George – Nigel could introduce a regular ‘Box and Bantz’ night at The Boxing Den for men over 40 – creating a safe space for open discussions about mental health and life in general.
Could this be the turning point for Phil, George and Nigel?
