Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) mental health has spiralled in EastEnders, following an altercation with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Denise Fox (Diane Parish).

The Walford stalwart is currently amidst a heartbreaking storyline that will culminate in him suffer suicidal thoughts amid his loneliness.

Phil had a rough 2024, from divorcing wife Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) to his son Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) being imprisoned in the US.

More recently, his ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) began a relationship with his cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) and it further highlighted how alone he is in the world.

There seemed to be a breakthrough when old pal Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) returned after 26 years away and offered him some much-needed companionship through his troubles.

Unfortunately, Nige has issues of his own, having revealed to Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) that he has been diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Despite her insistence, he has been unable to open up to Phil yet, for fears it will make his already troubling wellbeing worse.

Earlier this week, Nigel was adamant to get his mate out of the house to attend his son Raymond’s birthday party.

When they arrived at the venue, Phil didn’t exactly get the best welcome and soon made a quick exit.

As soon as he walked in, Nigel remarked that Raymond was a Mitchell, with Denise insisting that he was actually a member of the Fox family.

Long-term viewers will remember that the youngster was placed up for adoption as a baby – but later found his way back to Walford after the death of his parents – hence why his surname is Dawkins.

The argument continued in tonight’s instalment, as Phil and Nigel entered the cafe and overheard Jack telling Denise that she should change Raymond’s name.

Phil declared that Denise was ‘out of order’, before storming off.

As he sat alone in The Arches, fighting back tears, Nigel came in to comfort him.