EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell battles with his mental health in upcoming hard-hitting new storyline as his depression spirals and he attempts suicide. 

In the mental health storyline Phil, who is portrayed by Steve McFadden, will struggle with depression and psycH๏τic symptoms, ultimately attempting to take his own life.

Phil will start to isolate himself from his close family and friends as he comes to terms with Sharon’s new relationship with his cousin Teddy, the collapse of his marriage to Kate, and Ben’s imprisonment in America.   

As his depression deepens, Phil begins to experience vivid hallucinations, leading him to the heartbreaking belief that his life is no longer worth living.

The storyline will follow the impact Phil’s depression will have on his family and friends as they struggle to understand and support him. 

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.

EastEnders ‘ Phil Mitchell battles with his mental health in upcoming hard-hitting new storyline as his depression spirals and he attempts suicide

In the mental health storyline Phil, who is portrayed by Steve McFadden , will struggle with depression and psycH๏τic symptoms, ultimately attempting to take his own life

The BBC soap’s executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: ‘Phil’s depression storyline will focus on his decline in mental health and the subsequent psycH๏τic 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 psycH๏τic symptoms, with compᴀssion and understanding.’

Grant Mitchell, portrayed by Ross Kemp, will make a surprise return to the BBC soap after nine years to help his brother who grapples with his mental health.

Grant was last seen in 2016 when he returned for mum Peggy Mitchell’s funeral and the appearance 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.’

Phil will start to isolate himself from his close family and friends as he comes to terms with Sharon’s new relationship with his cousin Teddy, the collapse of his marriage to Kate and Ben’s imprisonment in America

As his depression deepens, Phil behind to experience vivid hallucinations, leading him to the heartbreaking belief that his life is no longer worth living

Grant Mitchell, portrayed by Ross Kemp, will make a surprise return to the BBC soap after nine years to help his brother who grapples with his mental health

Joe Levenson, Head of Media at Mind, said: ‘On-screen fictional portrayals can drastically shift how we think, feel, and behave in relation to our mental health.

‘Through our media advisory service, we have worked closely with the EastEnders team. Over this period, we provided extensive feedback to help build a greater understanding of what it’s like for men experiencing suicidal feelings and reaching a crisis point for their mental health. 

‘Loneliness, depression, and suicide are all devastating, and we know the figures of those affected in the UK are huge, particularly among men. We sadly need storylines like Phil’s now more than ever.’

For help for a mental health crisis contact Mind on: 0300 123 3393