A lonely Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) will pay a heartbreaking visit to his beloved mum Peggy Mitchell’s (Barbara Windsor) grave in forthcoming EastEnders scenes, new pictures have revealed.
Fans of the BBC soap have seen the Walford stalwart become increasingly isolated and depressed in recent months, following the breakdown of his marriage to Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) last year.
He has also had to contend with son Ben Mitchell’s (Max Bowden) incarceration in the US and sister Sam Mitchell’s (Kim Medcalf) deception and sudden departure – not to mention his ex-wife Sharon Watts’ (Letitia Dean) new relationship with long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian).
All of these events have had a deep effect on Phil’s mental health, with his loved ones very concerned for his wellbeing.
Now, pictures have captured the moment Phil seemingly turns to his late mum Peggy in his hour of need.
Photos taken of cast members filming on location have revealed Phil looking emotional as he stares at Peggy’s headstone – which is plotted next to her long-time frenemy and fellow soap legend Pat Butcher’s (Pam St Clement).
He appears to place flowers on her grave, and another snap from the recent night shoot shows a piece of blue paper also left there.
While Phil is battling his loneliness, Steve was joined on location by several co-stars, suggesting they will be supporting Phil in the coming weeks.
In one photo, he shares a hug with granddaughter Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown), who is accompanied by her grandfather and Phil’s cousin Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).
Paul Bradley, who plays Phil’s recently-returned friend Nigel Bates, was also spotted during filming.
EastEnders fans will no doubt also be pleased to learn that Kellie Bright is back filming as Linda Carter, who is currently in rehab for alcohol addiction.
Linda can be seen picking up the blue piece of paper from Peggy’s grave – but what she and the others are doing there remains to be seen.
The soap is currently gearing up for its 40th anniversary next month, which will include the much-anticipated return of Phil’s brother Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp.
With Phil seemingly at his lowest ebb, could Grant be back to save his brother?
Speaking about his return earlier this month, Ross said: ‘EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour.
‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.’
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw teased: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ross Kemp back to EastEnders as he reprises the legendary role of Grant Mitchell.
‘Whilst I’m not currently revealing exactly what brings Grant back to Walford, I can say that his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.’
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
