BIG SAD NEWS !! Depressed Phil in a bad way in EastEnders graveside heartbreak

A lonely Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) will pay a heartbreaking visit to his beloved mum Peggy Mitchell’s (Barbara Windsor) grave in forthcoming EastEnders scenes, new pictures have revealed.

Fans of the BBC soap have seen the Walford stalwart become increasingly isolated and depressed in recent months, following the breakdown of his marriage to Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) last year.

He has also had to contend with son Ben Mitchell’s (Max Bowden) incarceration in the US and sister Sam Mitchell’s (Kim Medcalf) deception and sudden departure – not to mention his ex-wife Sharon Watts’ (Letitia Dean) new relationship with long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian).

All of these events have had a deep effect on Phil’s mental health, with his loved ones very concerned for his wellbeing.

EastEnders' Phil Mitchell looks sad as he visits his mum Peggy's grave
Actor Steve Mc Fadden was snapped filming emotional scenes 

Now, pictures have captured the moment Phil seemingly turns to his late mum Peggy in his hour of need.

Photos taken of cast members filming on location have revealed Phil looking emotional as he stares at Peggy’s headstone – which is plotted next to her long-time frenemy and fellow soap legend Pat Butcher’s (Pam St Clement).

He appears to place flowers on her grave, and another snap from the recent night shoot shows a piece of blue paper also left there.

Lexi Pearce and Phil Mitchell hug while filming EastEnders
Lexi Pearce gives her grandad a hug 
A picture of Pat Butcher and Peggy Mitchell's graves in EasEnders
Peggy is buried next to Pat Butcher
Linda, Lexi, Billy and Nigel in a graveyard filming EastEnders
Linda, Billy and Nigel will also be part of the scenes 

While Phil is battling his loneliness, Steve was joined on location by several co-stars, suggesting they will be supporting Phil in the coming weeks.

In one photo, he shares a hug with granddaughter Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), who is accompanied by her grandfather and Phil’s cousin Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).

Paul Bradley, who plays Phil’s recently-returned friend Nigel Bates, was also spotted during filming.

EastEnders' Linda Carter, Nigel Bates and Phil Mitchell filming in a graveyard
Phil’s friends turn to support him 
Kellie Bright and Perry Fenwick filming EastEnders scenes in a graveyard
Kellie Bright has returned to filming 
EastEnders cast filming in a graveyard
The actors wore extra thick coats in between takes to keep warm 

EastEnders fans will no doubt also be pleased to learn that Kellie Bright is back filming as Linda Carter, who is currently in rehab for alcohol addiction.

Linda can be seen picking up the blue piece of paper from Peggy’s grave – but what she and the others are doing there remains to be seen.

The soap is currently gearing up for its 40th anniversary next month, which will include the much-anticipated return of Phil’s brother Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp.

Steve McFadden films scenes in a graveyard in EastEnders
Phil is currently at his lowest ebb 
Grant Mitchell outside the Walford East Tube station in EastEnders
Ross Kemp is returning as Phil’s brother Grant 

With Phil seemingly at his lowest ebb, could Grant be back to save his brother?

Speaking about his return earlier this month, Ross said: ‘EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour.

‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.’

Peggy, Grant and Phil Mitchell in EastEnders
Grant and Phil with their late mum Peggy 
Perry Fenwick and Steve McFadden hug on location filming for EastEnders
Steve and Perry shared a hug during filming 
Paul Bradley and Steve McFadden talk during location filming at a graveyard in EastEnders
The actors chatting between takes

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell.

‘Whilst I’m not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.’

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