EastEnders’ Phil fights tears as he opens up amid mental health battle

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.

Phil Mitchell and Nigel Bates walk in on Denise Fox's conversation with Jack Branning in the cafe in EastEnders
Phil overheard Denise and Jack’s conversation 
Phil Mitchell and Nigel Bates confront Jack Branning in EastEnders
He lashed out over Raymond’s surname 

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.

An emotional Phil Mitchell argues with Nigel Bates in EastEnders
Even Nigel couldn’t helpHe tried to apologise but Phil didn’t want to hear it – claiming that Nige had come back to Albert Square to make memories but had only made bad ones.

Walking out again, he claimed that he wasn’t bothered by the Raymond issue and that it was ‘just a name.’

It’s clear that there is more to his inner turmoil than meets the eye.

Will Phil be ok?

Related articles

Very EMOTIONAL News!!! shocking return shakes Walford! As Martin’s funeral looms, emotions run high and old wounds resurface. But when Bex Fowler walks back into the Square, everything changes… Don’t miss this emotional EastEnders episode!”

The latest episode of EastEnders brings an emotional and unexpected return as Bex Fowler arrives back in Walford just in time for a heartbreaking farewell. Martin Fowler’s…

FAMOUS FACE EastEnders’ new Vicki Fowler has a very famous film star dad – but do you recognise him?

EASTENDERS’ new Vicki Fowler actress has a famous film star dad – but do you recognise him? Alice Haighas begun playing Vicki upon the character’s return to Albert…

MYSTERY UNVEILED!! EastEnders teases mystery arrival for Sonia Fowler in advanced spoilers

EastEnders has teased a “mystery arrival” for Sonia Fowler and Bianca Jackson later this month, in advanced spoilers. Last month, actors Natalie Cassidy and Patsy Palmer each revealed…

SHOCKING NEWS!!! EastEnders confirms another Vicki Fowler lie in early iPlayer release

EastEnders has confirmed that Vicki Fowler has told another lie, in the show’s latest episode. This week, Vicki returned to Walford from Australia, together with her new boyfriend Ross…

SHOCKING NEWS!! EastEnders fans spot soap’s secret Neighbours tribute

EastEnders fans have spotted a special, secret tribute to fellow soap Neighbours as part of April Fool’s Day. The BBC took part in the annual tradition by posting a video…

HOT NEWS!!! Who is Spencer Moon in EastEnders and what happened between him and Vicki?

Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has made a grand return to Albert Square – but without her long-term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker). The character has arrived back to her…