EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell struggles to cope with his role as a carer next week, after Nigel Bates almost sets fire to the kitchen.

As his friend’s condition continues to deteriorate, a cooking mishap leaves Phil badly burned – while an uncomfortable encounter leaves young Lexi Pearce upset.

“Nigel, who has young-onset dementia, is becoming harder and harder to look after, but Phil won’t admit that he needs more help,” points out our Albert Square insider. “Even a burn from a pan of boiling water isn’t enough to persuade him otherwise.

“Kat quickly realises what’s going on, but Phil being Phil, he won’t open up or admit that he’s struggling. But Kat isn’t one to take no for an answer…”

The accident in the kitchen is only one in a series of mishaps that befall Nigel next week, beginning with him heading out into the Square barefoot.

Later, Kat Slater spots Phil’s injury from the hot water, and although Phil won’t admit it, she realises he’s starting to get in over his head when it comes to Nigel’s care needs.

Matters come to a head later when Nigel offers to help Lexi with a story she has to write as homework for school. Things take a turn when talk turns to the past and Nigel begins to struggle.

“Confused Nigel thinks that Lexi is his stepdaughter, Clare,” reveals our source. “The whole thing leaves Lexi feeling uncomfortable.

“As Phil arrives home, he works out what has happened and comforts his granddaughter, but the incident makes him realise he can no longer leave Nigel alone with her.”

When Kat learns what’s happened with Lexi, she reiterates in no uncertain terms to Phil that he can’t do this alone any more.

But Kat’s not the only one with worries. Phil finds himself under more pressure when Denise also suggests that he could be taking on too much with Nigel. But will Phil agree to bring in more support?

“It wasn’t so long ago that Phil was the one in desperate need of help,” our insider says. “So, Denise knows he must ensure he’s looking after himself if he’s going to be able to look after Nigel – but Phil’s a proud man.”

Will Phil accept that, no matter how much he wants to keep his best mate safe and well, he can’t do this solo any more?