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. 1 Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden, will see his life fall apart after being abandoned by his family Credit: BBC 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.
Read More on TV DUN-DUN-DUN EastEnders boss slams rival Coronation Street over ‘bleak’ crime stories SOAPER SHOCKED Corrie finally got Joel Deering's murder right after months of messiness 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. Most read in Soaps SOAPER SHOCKED Corrie finally got Joel Deering's murder right af.
