EastEnders fans threaten to 'cancel' BBC show as icon's death 'sealed'
This article includes discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation that some readers may find distressing.
EastEnders have been left fearing for Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden) after he tried to take his own life on Monday evening (February 3).
In recent months, Phil's mental health has spiralled leaving the iconic hardman battling depression and loneliness. He has also been secretly helping out his family without them knowing.
Phil reunited with his old friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) at Christmas with the two men living together, and supporting each other. But struggling Phil has been unaware that Nigel is living with young onset dementia.
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During the latest trip to Walford, a depressed Phil found himself roped into Nigel’s plans for a date in The Queen Vic with community centre friend Norma (Angela Curran) when she brought along a friend named Livi (Lisa Allen).
The four sat down for their double date, but Phil looked downtrodden while Yolande (Angela Wynter) and Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) watched on amused as Nigel turned on his charm.
Nigel told the women he was an old friend of Phil's, and the pair were like family, as he also spoke about his best pal Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp). Livi noted that she runs a car shop following the death of her father and devoted herself to running his garage.
When Norma and Nigel left to get drinks, Livi noted Phil’s deep sadness and how she recognises it, but the talk of depression saw Phil smash his glass in his hands and hastily leave the pub visibly upset.
Nigel went to make after Phil, but with encouragement from Yolande, decided to pursue a dinner with Norma instead.
As Phil stumbled out of the Queen Vic, he ran into Junior Knight’s (Micah Balfour) neighbour and sex worker Amelia (Melissa Batchelor), who offered her services and her card to Phil before heading on her way.
Phil made his way to The Arches and demanded mechanic Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) went home. But heartbreak soon followed as Phil sat in a classic car and attempted to take his own life.
However, after some time, Phil changed his mind and, while coughing, attempted to climb out of the car before falling down the cavity in the floor of the Arches. He was last seen lying in the pit below.
EastEnders viewers were devastated by Phil's mental state and demanded the character doesn't die following 32 years on Albert Square.
Taking to X, one person wrote: "If Phil dies, they might as well cancel the show #EastEnders", while a second chimed in: "Omg Phil #EastEnders."
A third urged: "Don't do it Phil think about Ben, Louise, Raymond, Albie, and Lexi . Lexi has just lost her mum she can't lose her Granddad, too. #EastEnders."
"Phil's storyline is really sad This so sad Phil sitting in the car wanting to end his life #EastEnders#eastenders", exclaimed one fan.
EastEnders is working closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure Phil’s depression story is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible.
Samaritans are available to call for free on 116 123 or via webchat at samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/. Alternatively you can email jo@samaritans.org.
EastEnders airs Monday - Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer