EastEnders is set to revisit Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) loneliness as he becomes increasingly isolated next week.
Earlier this year, the BBC soap hinted at fears for Phil’s mental wellbeing when he was seen breaking down in tears following various rows with his family.
He was also found himself starting to be pushed out of the picture following the arrival of cousin Billy Mitchell’s (Perry Fenwick) long-lost brother Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian).
In recent weeks, Teddy has set his eyes on buying Phil’s nightclub, Peggy’s, which has been shuttered for months, following the devastating crowd crush that happened there in September.
Teddy tries to formalise his offer to buy the club next week, but Phil is annoyed when Teddy lowballs him and reveals there are other interested parties.
However, it appears the club sale is having an impact on his mood, perhaps because it is one of the last remaining connections he has to his late mum Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor), as the venue is named after the former Queen Vic landlady.
He is also yet to discover that estranged wife Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), has recently reunited with ex-husband Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).
Despite breaking her heart when he cheated on her with Emma Harding (Patsy Kensit), Kat is still concerned about Phil, and next week she and Phil’s other ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) separately try to talk to him.
But an increasingly isolated Phil pushes them away, covering his emotions and refusing to open up.
Will Phil accept help before hitting rock bottom?
EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 11 November at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.
