EastEnders To Air Mental Health Storyline For Phil Mitchell

More details: Visit website

Having withdrawn from his family and friends in recent months following Sharon's newfound relationship with his cousin Teddy, the breakdown of his marriage to Kat, and Ben's incarceration in America, viewers will continue to see Phil's mental health decline as he attempts to hide his depression from those around him.

EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw says: "Phil's depression storyline will focus on his decline in mental health and the subsequent psychotic symptoms, and the reaction of those around him, as we hope to demonstrate how mental health can affect anyone at any time. Steve's performance is nothing short of extraordinary and has thoughtfully portrayed the complex realties of depression, and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding."

Lorna Fraser, Head of Samaritans' Media Advice Service, says: "The EastEnders team has done a great job capturing the reality of a mental health crisis, and we were delighted to help them tell Phil's story in a safe and responsible way. The nature of a soap makes it possible to present sensitive topics in uniquely engaging ways through characters audiences can relate to. We know men often struggle to open up and share how they are feeling, so it's good to show the importance of checking in and lending a listening ear in this way."