Christmas is coming to EastEnders, and Phil Mitchell isn’t having an easy time. Last year was tough, and now he’s still looking after Nigel Bates, whose dementia is getting worse. Balancing that with life on the Square is wearing him down, and things are set to get harder this festive season. Keep scrolling to know more.
Phil’s Care For Nigel Continues To Take Its Toll In EastEnders
Phil has taken the responsibility to look after his friend Nigel Bates. Nigel returned to the Square after 26 years and has been living with dementia. And it has made his life unpredictable. However, Phil is trying hard to give him as normal a life as possible.
But it has not been easy for him. He has to manage Nigel’s mood swings and his memory issues. He also has to manage the clashes that arise with his wife, Julie. Every day is a challenging one for Phil. He himself has been going through a lot lately. And these things are taking a strain on him.
Phil has depression, and he is managing himself and also looking after his friend. He even attempted to take his own life during the show’s 40th anniversary week. Steve admitted the emotional and mental drain it has left on him by portraying such dark stories.
Speaking to a source, Stave McFadden, who plays Phil, confirmed that the upcoming festive season won’t be easy. “There will be more sadness for Phil. That’s what is coming up. Christmas might not be so good,” he said. We have seen heavy storylines for Phil’s character. We have seen his family crises and his personal struggles. Even this year would be the same for him.
Family Tensions And Brief Visits Shake Phil’s World
Phil is managing Nigel despite being troubled. However, he will face one more challenge during the holidays. Ben, who is his onscreen son, will soon return to the Square. His visit will be brief, though. He is returning for Callum’s father, Jonno’s, funeral. Callum is Ben’s husband on the soap.
However, Callum is involved in a complicated relationship with Johnny Carter. And Phil may soon learn about what’s happening behind Ben’s back. Phil, Callum, and Ben come face-to-face in tense scenes. Steve McFadden, who recently won a National Television Award, says he’s lucky to play Phil.
There were rumours that he was going to leave the soap. He later said that he isn’t leaving and that his emotions were real, especially after his friends and colleagues were kind to him. The festive episodes have already begun filming. Fans can expect drama and emotions, but Phil Mitchell’s Christmas won’t be joyful. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.