SHOCK: Legendary EastEnders character will battle illness and suicidal thoughts in gritty Christmas plot
It is the latest in a long line of bleak festive plots in Walford
EASTENDERS is gearing up for another of its cheery Christmas storylines — with Phil Mitchell battling depression and illness.
The notorious Albert Square hardman, played by Steve McFadden, 65, will see his life fall apart after being abandoned by his family.
Son Ben is in a US jail, daughter Louise lives in Portugal and former wife Kat Slater is with Alfie Moon.
Viewers will see their own festive mood deteriorate as Phil starts to have suicidal thoughts.
It is the latest in a long line of bleak festive plots in Walford.
On Christmas Day 1986, 30million tuned in to watch Arthur Fowler have a nervous breakdown and smash up his living room.
In 2006, his wife Pauline collapsed and died from a brain haemorrhage, alone in the snow.
Three years later, Archie Mitchell was fatally bashed in the head with the Queen Vic bust, sparking a huge whodunnit plot.
In 2017, Archie’s daughters Ronnie and Roxy drowned in one of the darkest episodes.
Phil, who has battled drink and crack cocaine addictions and been shot twice, will be seen in despair again as the soap prepares for its 40th anniversary.
And speculation’s rife that brother Grant, played by Ross Kemp, will return.
A source said: “Could Grant be the one to save him? It’d be a ratings hit.”
An EastEnders spokeswoman declined to comment.
