EastEnders fans have praised Steve McFadden’s performance, as Phil Mitchell’s mental health story reached a head. Earlier this week, the Walford stalwart attempted to take his own life in his garage, before taking a near-fatal fall into the grease pit beneath his feet. The accident occurred after his depression worsened in the wake of an enlightening conversation with Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) new mate Livi.

She told him that she recognised his behaviour patterns and could compare his emotion to her own grief when she lost her father. A complete stranger being the first one to recognise his depression proved too much, and after bursting into tears he rushed off to his garage. Fortunately, the next morning, Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) discovered him and he was quickly rushed to hospital. Doctors encouraged him to open up to his nearest and dearest, but he told Nigel that he took a turn for the worst as a result of his high blood pressure.

Later, after a conversation with Mo Harris (Laila Morse) about the £10,000 he’d gifted to Billy and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton and Perry Fenwick) for their wedding, it became clear to Nige what had really happened. He rushed home to support his pal, but Phil didn’t want to hear it. Furious to hear that someone had realised that he had attempted to take his own life, he ordered Nigel to leave. At the end of the episode, Phil was arguing with someone in his living room – but there was nobody there. We know that in upcoming scenes, he’ll suffer hallucinations of his late mother Peggy (Jaime Winstone) and his younger self (Daniel Delaney).

EastEnders viewers flocked to social media to share their admiration for Steve following the emotional scenes. ‘Phil is the sole reason I’m invested in EE right now’ said one. ‘Steve McFadden barely says two words each episode yet is still carrying the lead up to the 40th on his back with his phenomenal performance.’. Another added: ‘i genuinely feel sorry for anyone who can’t see the value in soaps, because what steve mcfadden can do in an empty room is unmatched. the man is in a league of his own.’.

‘If Steve McFadden doesn’t get any awards for his performance I WILL be rioting’ posted a third user. A fourth added: ‘Superb, hard-hitting performances from Steve McFadden and Paul Bradley. ‘It’s ironic, and very sad, that Phil doesn’t want to live, yet is physically healthy; whereas, Nigel wants to live, but has dementia. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who’s leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?.

Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!. ‘Hopefully, they will be able to help each other.’. ‘I need to see Steve McFadden in a tuxedo holding a Best Actor award’ shared another viewer.

In agreement, one fan commented: ‘Steve McFadden deserves every flipping award going for his acting for his current storyline in #EastEnders. The last 2 episodes have been a masterclass. This is deep, and it’s only gonna get deeper.’. In next week’s episodes, Nigel is forced to take desperate measures when he contacts Phil’s estranged brother Grant (Ross Kemp) and asks him to return to The Square.

Will Grant be able to help Phil?. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: EastEnders confirms heart-wrenching scenes for depressed Phil – but help is on the way. Arrow MORE: Phil left for dead in terrible accident amid suicide attempt in EastEnders.