EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has spoken about his character Jay Brown’s role in the soap’s special Phil Mitchell flashback episode.
This week, Phil’s mental health continued to deteriorate, and he begun to experience symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations of his past.
As he interacted with younger versions of himself and his family in Thursday’s episode (February 13), Phil’s loved ones searched for him in the present day.
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Jay eventually found him at home and the pair had an emotional chat about grief, with Phil being more honest about how he is feeling than ever before.
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Speaking to Digital Spy and other press at the TV Choice Awards 2025 about Jay’s important role in this episode, Jamie was quick to praise his long-time co-star Steve McFadden, who plays Phil.
"There’s a really lovely moment with the pair of them," he said. "I’ve been filming with Steve for [almost] 20 years now. Every day, you’re always like – that’s Phil Mitchell! He’s the ultimate legend, he’s the man, he’s the governor."
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With the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations next week, Jamie confirmed that he will be in the live episode, having just finished taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing live tour.
The actor promised that for EastEnders fans, "every question they want answered is answered" during the exciting anniversary episodes – which will see an explosion in The Vic and Cindy’s attacker revealed.
This also involves the interactive storyline involving Denise, where viewers will be able to vote on whether she chooses to pursue a relationship with Jack or Ravi.
Jamie made his feelings clear on who Denise should pick, saying, "I think Jack! I don’t know why, I’m just edging towards Jack."
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In the ever-changing soap landscape, Jamie is confident that there is still an important place for the genre on TV.
"When soaps get it right, there’s nothing more powerful than that," he said. "They’re the best. It’s still a fantastic time for the soaps. All I can say is that place is my home. I love it, nothing changes."
The TV Choice Awards 2025 took place at the Hilton Park Lane on Monday evening (February 10).
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.
