EastEnders actor Natalie Cassidy has reacted to the announcement of a major new storyline for one of the soap’s most iconic characters.

After months of scenes showing Phil has become increasingly lonely, EastEnders has confirmed he will attempt to take his own life as his mental health deteriorates even further.

On her Instagram Stories, Sonia Fowler actor Natalie said: “I can’t describe how brilliant I think Steve is. This will be such an amazing story to watch.”

Natalie and Phil actor Steve McFadden are good friends in real life and she delighted fans a few years back by sharing a post about them hanging out on his boat (amusingly, shortly after the boat crash anniversary episodes aired).

Speaking about the suicide storyline, which the soap has collaborated with CALM, Samaritans, Mind, and Rethink Mental Illness on, executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Phil’s depression storyline will focus on his decline in mental health and the subsequent psychotic symptoms, and the reactions of those around him, as we hope to demonstrate how mental health can affect anyone at any time.

“Steve [McFadden]’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary and has thoughtfully portrayed the complex realities of depression, and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding.”

Phil’s storyline will coincide with the soap’s 40th anniversary, which will also see the return of Ross Kemp as Phil’s brother Grant Mitchell.