EastEnders fans are all aflutter, suspecting they’ve sniffed out a budding romance for Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden), with whispers of a ‘slow burner’ love story in the air.

On the latest jaunt to Walford (18th June), Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) nudged her mum, Elaine (Harriet Thorpe), to doll herself up for a raucous girls’ night at The Queen Vic

The ladies’ soirée took an unexpected turn when Elaine donned a black veil and declared a round of Prosecco on the house, much to Linda’s annoyance.

Fresh from her split with George Knight (Colin Salmon), Elaine seized the moment to bat her eyelashes at Phil, cheekily informing him: “Just so you know, I’m getting a divorce. Well, I am available, so call me anytime.”

Phil chuckled away Elaine’s advances and kept busy tending the bar, stepping in for his good friend Linda who was down a few hands, reports Belfast Live.

Earlier in the year, Phil grappled with depression and suicidal thoughts, leaving him feeling profoundly isolated.

Fortuitously, his mates Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) and Linda were at hand to steer him towards the support he desperately needed.

Linda, battling her own demons with alcoholism, has leaned on Phil for comfort, and it seems both are now finding their footing and joy once more.

Yet, the EastEnders audience is abuzz, convinced there’s a spark between Phil and Linda, forecasting that a romantic pairing is on the horizon.

Reddit has been buzzing with speculation, with one viewer predicting, “She will hook up with Philth,” and another eagerly anticipating, “Phinda is coming, just you wait.”

A third fan observed: “Phil looked at her from a distance about 3 times in the last episode = this means they’ll do hanky panky.”

Another agreed, suggesting: “That’s what I think is happening already. They’re on a slow burn.”

“I love Linda. I think her and Phil will get together. They will both run the Vic, and hopefully manage to stay off the booze. Shazza will return and be jealous,” mused one viewer.

“I can! Phil can be a proper charmer when he wants someone,” another chimed in.