Why this one EastEnders character should be Ravi’s biggest ally in emotional mental health story

EastEnders has pushed Ravi Gulati to breaking point but, while his mental health crisis deepens, one Walford resident could be uniquely placed to help him through it. Emotions are running high for Ravi (Aaron Thiara) and his family following a string of escalating events that have left him spiraling out of control.

After months of pressure – including being forced to become a police informant to avoid prison – Ravi’s mental state has quickly deteriorated, with devastating consequences for those closest to him.

Thursday’s (23 April) visit to Albert Square picked up in the aftermath of a dramatic surprise car crash, which also left Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) stranded in a separate vehicle. While Priya rushed to get their children Nugget and Avani to safety, Ravi remained frozen in the car, overwhelmed by his own turmoil.

As the situation escalated, Ravi was urged to help Cindy when the second car caught fire – but he refused, unable to act. Max ultimately stepped in to pull Cindy and baby Jimmy from the wreckage moments before an explosion, while Ravi’s inaction sparked anger and confusion among his family.

Both groups were eventually taken to hospital, where Ravi faced a furious discussion with his son Nugget, who challenged him on his behaviour. This only deepened Ravi’s growing isolation, particularly as Max continued to antagonise him, pushing him further towards his breaking point.

In tear-jerking scenes, Ravi’s mental health crisis intensified as he smashed the windows of a local pharmacy before making his way to a railway bridge, where he attempted to take his own life. Priya and Nugget were able to intervene just in time, pulling Ravi back from the ledge as a crowd gathered underneath in shock.

However, the fallout was just as a harrowing. Once he was brought back to solid ground, Ravi realised that Priya contacted the police and pleaded with her as he was detained under the Mental Health Act, ending the episode in tears as he begged to be taken home.

Though his current relationships are strained, Ravi may be able to find someone who understands his struggle all too well: Walford legend Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden.

Last year, as part of the 40th anniversary of EastEnders, Phil Mitchell went through a similarly devastating storyline after a prolonged decline in his own mental health. Phil was sectioned under the Mental Health Act after his own suicide attempt – a storyline that resonated strongly with viewers.

Much like Ravi, Phil has built a reputation as a hardened, sometimes volatile figure, shaped by years of questionable decisions and dodgy deeds. Both men have marched to the beat of their own drum, pushing people away and struggling to express their vulnerability until reaching crisis point. It’s that same shared experience that could make Phil the one person capable of reaching Ravi.

The men’s relationship hasn’t been straightforward. Both Phil and Ravi have clashed in the past, and tensions between the Mitchell and Panesar clans have only added to the divide. Nicola Mitchell’s previous feud with Ravi, particularly involving her son Harry, has already complicated potential alliances. Still, that friction could make the connection more compelling.

There are already signs that the Mitchell family could be heading into further trouble, particularly with Nigel Bates’ upcoming death and Grant Mitchell’s explosive return to the Square. This Thursday, Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) even hinted at growing distance within the family, despite her own health torment – which could set the stage for unexpected alliances to form.

Off-screen, the impact of Phil Mitchell’s mental health storyline has already been recognised. Steve McFadden received widespread acclaim for his performance, picking up the award for Best Dramatic Performance at the British Soap Awards in May 2025, and further recognition at the National Television Awards in September.

Speaking to Ranvir Singh about his co-star’s wins, Aaron praised Steve’s work. “The feeling when the category got announced,” he said, “I could feel amongst us all, because we work together day in, day out, so we’re all very close. There was this magic in the air where you’re just praying his name gets called out.”

Aaron added: “He’s the flagship of the show and it was so deserved for the story that he did… I felt like the whole nation was rooting for Steve.”

That impact could now shape the next chapter of Ravi’s story. Because, while Ravi may feel more alone than ever, EastEnders has already shown through Phil, among other characters, that recovery is possible.

If Ravi’s journey is to follow a similar path, Phil may be the person he needs.