EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) returns home to Walford after discharging himself from a mental health unit next week, but soon finds he has made a huge mistake concerning his friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
The Albert Square legend is currently receiving treatment off-screen after a devastating suicide attempt during the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary episodes last month.
Fans will get an insight into Phil’s four-week stay in the unit during a special episode later this week, which culminates in him deciding he is well enough to leave.
Upon arriving home, Phil is feeling grateful for the support of his family and Nigel but isn’t ready for his friends and neighbours to know where he’s been.
However, Phil soon puts his relationship with Nigel at risk when there is an incident at the café.
When Nigel, who has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, starts making some mistake, Phil blurts out to a frustrated Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) that he is ill.
An angry Nigel snaps back, sharing a secret of Phil’s.
After the two men have cooled off, Nigel is deeply apologetic to Phil, who tries to front it out.
With word having got back to a concerned George Knight (Colin Salmon), he asks Phil’s confidante Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) how he can be there for his friend.
After he asks Phil to be his sparring partner at the gym, he eventually starts feeling comfortable enough to open up.
Following the successful session, George then goes to see Nigel to with a suggestion – and it could be just what he and Phil both need.
