BBC EastEnders’ Mitchell m.u.r.d.e.r mystery confirmed as unwelcome guest arrives
Next week's episodes of EastEnders see the Mitchell family under suspicion while Phil struggles in the mental health unit
The Mitchell clan are set to steal the limelight in next week’s EastEnders, with Harry facing ghosts from his past and Phil grappling with life in a mental health unit. Come Monday (March 17), it’s the four-year mark since Shireen vanished, and the atmosphere is tense at her former flame Harry Mitchell’s (played by Elijah Holloway) place.
Over at the Arches, Harry gets a surprise visit from Shireen’s brother, Asad, who drops the bombshell that he no longer suspects Harry had a hand in Shireen’s disappearance. But the Mitchell name isn’t out of the woods yet as Asad rocks up at Shireen’s vigil at Harry’s Barn, organised by Nicola (Laura Doddington).
Things kick off when Asad points the finger at Teddy (Roland Manookian) for Shireen’s m.u.r.d.e.r, but Harry jumps to his dad’s defence as Teddy denies all accusations. Back home, Harry pleads with Teddy for the truth while his mum Nicola pays a visit to a mysterious Benji, demanding answers about Shireen’s whereabouts.
Nicola later gets the cold shoulder from a worse-for-wear Harry and is then called to Walford East – where Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) warns of a dangerous batch of drugs doing the rounds. Back at the house, Teddy catches Nicola on the phone to a drug dealer and she confesses to dealing.
However, when Harry starts a brawl with Felix Baker (Matthew James Morrison) at The Albert while high, Nicola and Teddy have to drag him home. Nicola also tries to persuade Teddy to pull the plug on backing Junior’s business ventures, reports Plymouth Live.
Teddy confesses to Sharon at the Boxing Den that he still has feelings for her, while also secretly confirming a business deal with Junior, keeping Nicola in the dark.
Meanwhile, Honey Mitchell, played by Emma Barton, pleads with Billy, portrayed by Perry Fenwick, to reveal the truth about Phil Mitchell to Lexi, but Billy insists she doesn’t need to know.
Nigel Bates, played by Paul Bradley, nearly lets the cat out of the bag, causing Billy’s ire, before discovering Lexi reading one of Phil’s suicide attempt letters, mistaking her for Clare. A distraught Lexi runs to Billy, believing Phil is d.e.a.d, leading to a confrontation between Billy and Nigel.
Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright, arrives to support Nigel, aware of his dementia diagnosis. Honey and Sharon inform Billy that Callum (Tony Clay) will break the news to Lexi, as they all head to Phil’s mental health unit.
In a special episode on Thursday, viewers will follow Phil’s four-week journey in the mental health unit, where he befriends Gaz, played by Keith Allen. As Phil confronts his inner demons, his support worker Yasmin helps him realise he’s ready to leave.
The Walford icon listens to voicemails from Sharon Watts and Nigel before discharging himself. But where will he go next?
Meanwhile, the funeral plans for Martin Fowler (James Bye) continue to unfold, with Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) refusing to let Jean Slater (Gillian Taylforth) assist with the arrangements. Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) steps in to offer Jean some much-needed advice.
However, the tranquillity is short-lived as Jean and Ruby persist in their disagreement over Martin’s funeral plans, leaving Kathy stuck in the middle. Concurrently, Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) is finding it difficult to deal with her father’s loss.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
