Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) seeks help from an unlikely source after discovering ex-husband Phil

Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) state of despair in EastEnders this Christmas.

Last week, Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) found soap stalwart Phil living in a state of squalor.

As we know, this is just the beginning of a heartbreaking storyline that will see the legend suffer suicidal thoughts amid his loneliness.

Nicola had been digging dirt on Sharon and Phil’s relationship, furious that she’d coupled up with her ex-husband Teddy (Roland Manookian).

As they were preparing to tell their former partners that they were going things a go, she heard through the grapevine that the pair had spent the evening in each other’s company.

Hoping that involving Phil in the matter would force him to retaliate, Nicola failed at making him a co-conspirator after heeding a warning from Teddy.

Rushing over to his house, and hoping that returning the infamous picture of his mum Peggy from her bar would extend an olive branch, she was shocked to see takeaway cartons and dirty plates strewn out across his kitchen.

Phil kicked her out, but her meddling didn’t stop there.

After speaking with Sharon, she revealed every detail and hoped the news would force them to reconcile – therefore allowing her to get her hands back on Teddy.

To stir the pot further, Nicola exposed the fact that Sharon had confessed her love to Phil earlier in the year, telling Teddy that they’re actually back together but are keeping it on the down-low.

As we approach Christmas, Phil continues to feel isolated and reluctantly agrees to spend the big day with the extended family.

After shutting down Jay Brown (Jamie Mitchell) – who wanted him to open up about his feelings – Sharon steps in the hope she can help.

On Christmas Day, she visits a downtrodden Phil and hands him a present from her young son Albie, but it becomes immediately clear to her that he’s still out of character.

With the whole Mitchell clan gathered around the table for their festive meal, he clocks a tender moment between Sharon and Teddy, which makes him instantly feel awkward.

As he continues to shut Sharon out of his life, and refuses help, she seeks help from an unexpected ally.

But who could it be?