EastEnders’ Phil shuts out the world in heartbreaking Christmas story – and it gets worse
Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) gives ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) cause for concern over Christmas in EastEnders, as his mental health worsens.
It was recently revealed the Walford stalwart would be part of a new loneliness storyline on the BBC soap, and as Christmas Day draws closer, Phil begins to shut out the outside world.
Fans will see how affected he becomes by seeing Sharon with his cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) over the coming days, after the pair decide to pursue their romantic connection.
While Teddy’s ex-wife Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) is outwardly more jealous of the pair’s relationship, Phil continues to withdraw from those around him.
On Christmas morning, Sharon heads over to see Phil with a present from their son Albue, but it’s clear he’s not himself.
After being invited over to No.1 to spend Christmas with Teddy and the rest of the Mitchells, things are awkward between Phil and the family as they sit down for lunch.
He then leaves the celebrations earlier after spotting a warm moment between Sharon and Teddy.
The following day, a concerned Sharon goes to speak to Phil but he continues to shut her out.
With fears for her ex growing, Sharon then shares her concerns with an unlikely ally…
Fans will be left wondering if Sharon could make a call to Phil’s brother Grant Mitchell.
Speculation has been mounting that Ross Kemp is set to reprise the role in the build-up to the soap’s 40th anniversary in February.
The actor was pictured driving out of the soap’s Hertfordshire production base in a black car last month.
An EastEnders spokesperson declined to comment when approached by Metro.
Could Grant be coming home to save Phil?
EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 23 December at 7.30pm on BBC One, or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
