EastEnders fans praise ‘tough’ Phil story as suicide attempt is confirmed
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EastEnders fans have highlighted the importance of an upcoming story that will see Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) attempt to take his own life. Viewers have seen the Walford stalwart’s mental health decline over recent months, in the wake of his divorce from Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and the imprisonment of son Ben (Max Bowden).
![[Phil and Grant Mitchell in the arches garage in EastEnders]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_55914702-6196.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=368)
He’s also had to witness his true love Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) begin a new relationship with his cousin Teddy (Roland Manookian), and has subsequently begun to sell or give away his business assets. His struggle with loneliness will result in him experiencing psychosis and hallucinations, which then will lead to a devastating suicide attempt.
![[Phil Mitchell clutching a bottle of whiskey in EastEnders]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/496894-f514.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
It’s likely that the story will tie in with the long-awaited return of Ross Kemp as his brother Grant. A spokesperson for the show explained: ‘The storyline will follow Phil, and the characters closest to him, as Phil’s depression takes hold and his psychotic symptoms intensify, with the character experiencing hallucinations at the crisis point where he starts to believe his life is no longer worth living.’.
![[Natalie Cassidy pays tribute to Steve McFadden ahead of his Phil suicide story in EastEnders]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236907732-22a3-e1737540013581.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: ‘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.
