EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s episode (February 13), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and hasn’t yet aired on TV.
Note: This article contains discussion of topics including depression and suicide.
EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell has made a tragic decision about his future, in the show’s latest episode.
Phil’s depression has taken hold in recent months, and his loved ones grew worried about him when they couldn’t find him on the night of Billy and Honey’s stag and hen do.
In today’s episode, which opened with the soap's original titles, Phil began to experience hallucinations and returned to his childhood home, where he saw the younger version of himself with the rest of the Mitchell clan.
Related: Best streaming services
What to Read Next
Phil observed a traumatic moment from 1985, when his dad Eric told his wife Peggy and his three kids that he had only months to live.
As Sharon, Jay and Billy continued to look for him in the Square, Phil faced his younger self on the roof before returning home.
Jay found Phil and they had an honest conversation about grief, with Phil finally opening up about how he has been feeling. He looked back on his drug and alcohol abuse and near-death experiences and wondered how he was still alive, remarking that his "body can’t take the hint".
Related: EastEnders star hints at possible return after three thrilling cameos
But Phil ultimately told Jay that he was fine and just tired, and he returned to his hallucination. He observed his dad taking out a gun and preparing to take his own life before being stopped by Phil and Grant.
With Eric writing Phil’s name on a bullet and giving it to him, a row escalated between the three characters. Present-day Phil got involved and he imagined shooting his past self, as he was berated for his failings in life.
Related: EastEnders 40th anniversary surprise - legendary character won't be in live episode
Phil was interrupted from his hallucination by Sharon, who told him that Linda was home from rehab. As Linda adjusted to life back in Walford, it was clear that Phil was slipping into a darker place.
Phil had an emotional chat with the younger version of his mum, but in his mind even Peggy turned on him, telling his son that he should take his own life and let his children grow up without him.
Phil decided to take his mum’s advice and loaded a gun, while hearing the touching words of Peggy’s suicide note.
Related: EastEnders 40th anniversary aftermath - the scenes fans will never see
But he was interrupted by Nigel, who had returned to Walford with none other than his brother Grant, to try and help.
Will Grant be able to get through to Phil before it’s too late?
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
