A major week will unfold in EastEnders from 17th-20th March 2025, as there will be a special episode dedicated to Phil Mitchell’s recovery at a mental health unit. Meanwhile, back in Walford, Nigel Bates struggles with dementia symptoms that lead to a difficult situation for the Mitchells. Nicola Mitchell’s secret dealings come to light, and tensions rise over Martin Fowler’s funeral.
Nigel’s Dementia Causes a Distressing Mix-Up
Nigel Bates continues to struggle with young-onset dementia, which leads to a heartbreaking situation. After a difficult day, he confides in Linda Carter, who recently learned about his diagnosis. However, things take a turn when Honey Mitchell urges Billy Mitchell to be honest with Lexi Pearce about Phil’s whereabouts.
Billy refuses, but Nigel almost lets the truth slip in front of Lexi. Later, Nigel finds Lexi reading one of Phil’s letters from the night of his suicide attempt. In his confusion, he mistakes Lexi for his adoptive daughter, Clare, unintentionally scaring her. Convinced that Phil is dead, Lexi runs to Billy in distress. Linda tries to comfort Nigel after another run-in with Billy, but will the Mitchell family realise just how much Nigel is struggling?
EastEnders Spoilers: Phil Mitchell’s Recovery in the Mental Health Unit
Lexi breaks down and confronts Billy and Honey, demanding to know if Phil is dead. Seeing her distress, Callum Highway steps in and finally tells Lexi the truth about Phil’s situation. Billy apologises, and together with Honey, Callum, Linda, and Nigel, they visit Phil at the mental health unit.
The soap takes viewers inside Phil’s journey and shows us his early struggles in therapy and group activities. Initially reluctant to engage, Phil starts forming a bond with another patient, Gaz. As they connect over shared experiences, Phil slowly opens up.
However, when Gaz prepares to leave the unit, Phil finds himself at a crossroads. With encouragement from support worker Yasmin, Phil confronts his trauma and reaches a turning point. Before leaving, he listens to voicemails from Sharon Watts and Nigel. But is he truly ready to return to Walford?
Nicola Mitchell Is Caught Out Over Her Dealings
As the fourth anniversary of Shireen’s disappearance approaches, Harry Mitchell receives a visit from her brother Asad, who now believes Harry had no involvement. Wanting to honour Shireen’s memory, Nicola Mitchell organises a vigil at Harry’s barn.
However, tensions rise when Asad arrives and accuses Teddy Mitchell of Shireen’s murder. Harry defends his father but later demands to know the truth. Meanwhile, Nicola secretly meets a man named Benji and asks for answers about Shireen.
By the end of the week, Nicola’s double life is exposed when Teddy catches her on the phone with a drug supplier. With no choice, she admits to dealing drugs. Meanwhile, a drunk Harry lashes out at Felix Baker and forces Teddy and Nicola to take him home.
Nicola then tries to manipulate Teddy into backing out of a business deal with Junior Knight—but Teddy secretly goes through with it. Now that her secrets are exposed, what else is Nicola hiding?
EastEnders Spoilers: Jean Slater and Ruby Allen Clash Over Martin Fowler’s Funeral
Jean Slater offers to help Ruby Allen plan Martin Fowler’s funeral, but Ruby refuses her input. Wanting to support Ruby, Jean turns to Kathy Cotton for advice. Kathy encourages Jean to find common ground, which leads to a temporary truce between her and Ruby. However, as they start planning, their different ideas cause more conflict. Kathy finds herself stuck in the middle as the two argue over how Martin should be honoured.
Meanwhile, as the adults struggle to agree, Amy Mitchell and Avani Nandra-Hart try to comfort Martin’s adoptive daughter, Lily Slater, who is finding it hard to cope with her grief. Can Jean and Ruby put their differences aside to give Martin the send-off he deserves?
EastEnders is ready to deliver a packed week ahead with these spoilers. How excited are you for these? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more soap updates.
