EASTENDERS viewers were left baffled as Comic Relief aired an unseen soap scene.
Fans know Phil Mitchell – played by Steve McFadden – has seen his mental health spiral in recent months.
Comic Relief featured a mini episode focused on Phil Mitchell[/caption]
An ongoing storyline has seen Phil struggle with his mental health[/caption]
Phil befriended Andy, a fellow mental health patient[/caption]
A five-minute mini-episode focused on the soap legend’s experience with a new friend.
In a flashback to Phil’s time in the mental health unit, he spoke with a patient named Andy – played by Jake Rory.
The younger man shared details of his time at a homeless youth hostel, and the pair realised that they have more in common than first anticipated.
However, some viewers were confused as to where the instalment fit in the BBC show’s timeline.
One wrote on X: “#EastEnders technicality – this isn’t “continuing” the story, it’s a previously unseen flashback as the latest episode covered Phil’s stay over multiple days and then saw him leave the facility.
“This mini-episode is set during the period before he left.”
The segment followed a special EastEnders instalment guest-starring Keith Allen.
Keith appeared in the role of Gaz, whom Phil meets at the mental health unit.
Phil’s struggles culminated in him attempting to take his own life during the show’s 40th anniversary.
Thankfully, he was unsuccessful, and was taken in by a mental health facility.
EastEnders collaborated with Comic Relief this Red Nose Day to highlight mental health and the importance of getting treatment.
The soap and Comic Relief consulted with Brandon Centre, a Comic Relief funded charity focusing on youth mental help support to ensure the storyline has been handled as sensitively and as accurately as possible.
Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders Executive Producer said of the storyline: “We’re thrilled to be working alongside Comic Relief and Brandon Centre as we continue to explore the complex realities of Phil’s journey with mental health.
“Whilst seeking treatment, Phil and Andy quickly realise they have more in common than they first anticipated.”
Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, said: “Comic Relief has a long and proud history of supporting incredible organisations who are delivering vital work to help tackle homelessness and the ongoing mental health crisis.
“We are extremely grateful to EastEnders and Brandon Centre for their work in helping to create this powerful and poignant film that will resonate with so many.
“Together with your support this Red Nose Day, we can help ensure support just like this is available to those who need it the most right here in the UK and around the world.”
Phil Micthell’s biggest EastEnders storylines
Phil Mitchell, a long-running character on EastEnders, has had many storylines, including:
- Alcoholism and addiction: Phil has struggled with alcoholism and addiction to crack cocaine.
- Cirrhosis of the liver: Phil was told he had months to live due to cirrhosis. He eventually received a liver transplant.
- Criminal dealings: Phil has been involved in various criminal dealings.
- Affair with Sharon Watts: Phil had an affair with Sharon Watts, which became known as “Sharongate”.
- Failed marriage to Kathy Beale: Phil was married to Kathy Beale, but their marriage failed.
- Feuds and rivalries: Phil has had many feuds and rivalries, including with his stepson Ian Beale and love rival Steve Owen.
- Murder of Dennis Rickman: Phil sought revenge for the murder of Sharon’s adoptive brother and husband, Dennis Rickman.
- Murder of his uncle Archie: Phil was a prime suspect in the murder of his uncle Archie.
- “Who Shot Phil?”: Phil was shot outside his home in a highly anticipated storyline that was described as a “Dallas-style” whodunnit mystery.
- Loneliness and mental health: Phil may face a storyline related to loneliness and mental health. Some fans speculate that his sibling, Grant, may reappear as a result.
Julia Brown, CEO Brandon Centre added: “The support from Comic Relief has been invaluable.
“It has allowed us to make an enormous difference to local homeless young people, with therapy delivered directly in hostels, at a time when they need it the most.
“Working alongside the EastEnders team has been hugely important, as it is significantly helping raise awareness of the drastic impact of homelessness on young people’s lives.”
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
Keith Allen guest starred as part of Phil’s storyline[/caption]
