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Phil’s mental health continues to spiral as he isolates himself from family and friends, grappling with the aftermath of Sharon’s new relationship with his cousin Teddy, the collapse of his marriage to Kat, and Ben’s imprisonment in America.

As his depression deepens, Phil struggles to keep his emotional turmoil hidden from those closest to him.

As his mental health deteriorates, he begins to experience vivid hallucinations, leading him to the heartbreaking belief that his life is no longer worth living.

The plot will focus on the impact this has on those closest to him, as they struggle to understand and support him through this crisis.

EastEnders is working closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure Phil’s story is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible.

The BBC soap’s executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Phil’s depression storyline will focus on his decline in mental health and the subsequent psychotic symptoms, and the reaction of those around him, as we hope to demonstrate how mental health can affect anyone at any time.

“Steve’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary and has thoughtfully portrayed the complex realties of depression, and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding.”

Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) will make a surprise return to help his brother who grapples with his mental health.

The actor will make a bombshell comeback to the Square, nine years after his last appearance.

Grant was last seen in 2016 when he returned from mum Peggy Mitchell’s funeral.

Grant Mitchell’s best bits in EastEnders

His return will be part of the soap’s 40th anniversary special episode.

Confirming his return, Ross said: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary.

“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.”

EastEnders’ 40th anniversary cameos so far

With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford’s past. But who have we had so far?

Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.

Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.

Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.

Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.

Coming up this year…

Ross Kemp – Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.

Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.

New spoiler pictures have shown Phil visiting the graves of his parents, Eric and Peggy.

In a bad way, Phil goes missing and his loved ones frantically search for him.

As it gets dark, Billy Mitchell, Linda Carter, Nigel Bates and Lexi Pearce finally find him in the graveyard and comfort him.

On Peggy’s grave, there is a note which Linda finds and appears to be left by Phil, but what does it say?