Note: This article contains discussion of suicide.
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders' Phil Mitchell is set to declare his true feelings to Sharon Watts, following months of heartache.
Phil and Sharon's tumultuous friendship has become strained in the last few months, as Phil struggled with his mental health. The dark storyline saw the legendary character suffering with depression, causing him to push his loved ones away.
The live 40th anniversary episode featured a tragic turn of events for Phil, as he attempted to end his own life using a gun. Fortunately, the gun wasn't loaded and he was found by Linda, Nigel and his brother Grant, who arranged for him to be taken to a mental health unit.
Viewers received a special look at Phil's time in the unit, where he opened up to his new friend, fellow patient Gaz, confessing that he'd never stopped loving Sharon. After discharging himself, Phil set out to make things right with his friends and family.
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Meanwhile, Sharon had been dating Phil's cousin Teddy for a few months, which caused further distance between herself and Phil. But the couple recently broke up after Sharon spent the night with Grant.
In tomorrow night's episode, Nigel visits Sharon to tell her Phil has gone missing. Denise, Sharon and Nigel call the police, but the situation is quickly defused when Phil returns and offers a simple explanation.
Phil realises the mix-up is down to Nigel's dementia (which Sharon is unaware of), and tries to cover for him. But worried Sharon is unconvinced and enlists the help of Kathy and Denise to buoy Phil.
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Later, Phil and Sharon share a warm moment alone at his house. Feeling emotional about her kind gesture, Phil finally finds the courage to tell Sharon that he still loves her.
The first look images of the scenes see the former flames gazing lovingly at each other, while holding each other close. But will newly-single Sharon reciprocate Phil's feelings, or is heartbreak on the horizon?
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.
