Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp EastEnders is gearing up to air a special episode tonight, spotlighting Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) journey in the Mental Health Unit. The unique episode, which fans can already catch on iPlayer, spans across four weeks. During his stay in the Unit, Phil confides in his mate Gaz, portrayed by guest star Keith Allen. In recent months, the BBC soap has been airing a heart-wrenching storyline depicting the deterioration of the much-loved character’s mental health. Things took a turn for the worst during the 40th anniversary episode when Phil tried to end his own life. He was subsequently admitted to a Mental Health Unit with the assistance of pals Linda and Nigel, and he hasn’t made an appearance on the soap since then.
The episode will focus on Phil’s time in the unit
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
The remainder of this article contains spoilers and details from Thursday night’s episode now available on BBC iPlayer, set to broadcast on BBC One at 7:30PM tonight. If you don’t want any spoilers, stop reading here. In tonight’s episode, which fans can already view on iPlayer, viewers witness the journey Phil embarks on, from Day 1 to 24, when he discharges himself and reunites with Linda, Nigel, Billy and Lexi in emotional scenes. The latest emotional rollercoaster from EastEnders had fans reeling as Phil grappled with past loves and present grief. Initially reticent, Phil finally opened up to mate Gaz about his lingering feelings for Sharon, unaware of her reunion with his brother Grant. Phil gradually connects with fellow patients, leading up to a decision to self-discharge by the month’s end. His journey brings him to Peggy’s grave where he has a poignant reconnection with Linda, Nigel, Billy, and Lexi.
Keith Allen guest stars in the special episode
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Viewers witness a tear-filled moment as Phil extends an apology to Nigel and offers support for his dementia battle. Taking to X, formally known as Twitter after the emotional episode, one fan said: “What an incredibly powerful episode of #EastEnders tonight’s ep is. Just wow,” and another echoing the sentiment with “Today’s #eastenders is totally outstanding . Totally.” Fans took to social media to praise Keith Allen’s stellar performance in EastEnders, with one viewer tweeting: “Massive shout out to Keith Allen for today’s episode. A brilliant performance! #EastEnders,” and another adding: “A huge shout-out to Keith Allen in tonight’s #EastEnders. A brilliant addition to tonight’s episode. Gaz proving pivotal to Phil’s recovery. I hope we see Gaz in Walford at some stage to see Phil again.” Keith Allen himself expressed his excitement about his guest appearance, saying he was “honoured” to be involved in such a poignant plot. “I’ve written a number one hit single, I’ve presented Top of the Pops, I’ve played the lead in the West End and I was at Craven Cottage when we beat Juventus 4-1…Could it get better than that?” he mused. “Well, yes, I’ve just guested in an episode of EastEnders…What a joy! And what an honour to be a part of Steve McFadden’s incredibly moving story line. I may be a resting actor but I now rest in peace.” Executive producer Chris Clenshaw added: “I’m delighted to welcome the incredibly talented Keith Allen to the cast of EastEnders as he takes on the guest role of Gaz in a special episode focusing on Phil’s mental health.”
