Aidan blames Mick for taking the money but Phil discovers it was Sharon. The brothers try to dissuade Peggy from committing suicide but are unaware of pills secretly hidden in her makeup bag. It soon transpires one of Phil's neighbours, Vincent Hubbard (Richard Blackwood), is out for revenge against his family because he believes that Phil's father Eric had murdered his own father, Henry, many years earlier. The storyline signifying the departure of Ross Kemp played heavily on the Mitchell brothers' fragile and damaged relationship. [13] Shot in London's Docklands, the scenes required stunt doubles, divers and crash test dummies and it has been hailed as "one of the soap's most dramatic storylines ever. However, she later changes her mind and asks Marcus to return all Phil's money to his accounts unaware that Phil has seen them. [38], In August 2010, scenes showing Phil and Rainie taking crack cocaine prompted over 200 complaints from viewers who felt the scenes were inappropriate. Martin Barnes, chief executive of DrugScope, commented: "If EastEnders sensitively reflect the impact that drug use has on Phil, it could help. 13million viewers tuned in to see their return giving the BBC a 52.9% British audience share,[31] a massive coup for the show which had come under heavy criticism in the British media after it drew its lowest audience in more than five years (6.6million viewers tuning in to one episode in September 2005). Afterwards, Phil is surprised when DCI Jill Marsden (Sophie Stanton) takes charge of the murder investigation; as Phil and Marsden became sworn enemies ever since she investigated his shooting before going on to intercept Phil's criminal activities prior to him being set up for the robbery. [8] Phil can be very violent, but unlike Grant, he occasionally showed restraint when dealing with various enemies encountered exacting revenge over time, using mind games or getting others to do his dirty work, amongst other things. By then, Phil and Dan have become best friends; with Phil being the only person to defend Dan when he is revealed to have cheated on his girlfriend Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) by having an affair with her daughter Bianca (Patsy Palmer), the wife of Frank's son Ricky (Sid Owen). Weeks later, the police find Phil's blood in the house that belonged to Gavin's sister Margaret Midhurst (Jan Harvey). Phil tells Sharon he wants to adopt Dennis. Dennis is nearing 30 but Sharon had only discovered his existence in the spring of 2003 - he was the product of an affair between Sharon's adoptive father Den Watts (who had disappeared and supposedly died in 1989) and a younger woman called Paula Rickman, who dies just before Sharon finally manages to locate him. Phil's most prominent storylines include his battles with alcoholism and addiction; suffering from cirrhosis of the liver; various criminal dealings; having an affair with Grant's wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) a storyline popularly dubbed "Sharongate"; a failed marriage to Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth); a longstanding rivalry with his tormented stepson and Kathy's eldest child, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt); sparking numerous feuds; relationship problems; seeking to avenge the death of Sharon's adoptive brother and later husband Dennis Rickman (Nigel Harman) by confronting his gangland killer, Johnny Allen (Billy Murray), in the "Get Johnny Week" storyline; becoming a prime suspect in the murder of his uncle Archie (Larry Lamb) (see "Who Killed Archie? When Jay returns, Sharon allows him back into the Mitchell household, and when Phil is discharged and returns home, he eventually allows Jay to live there. Phil and Aidan try to find the money, unaware that Sharon stole it but was forced to return it to its rightful owner, Aidan's former wife, Ciara Maguire (Denise McCormack). A scene in which Phil beat his godson Jamie was criticised for being too realistic by TV watchdogs. While Phil has shown compassion to the women in his life, he frequently finds he is unable to give them the emotional security needed to sustain the relationship. Phil and Sharon reunite after her relationship with Jack ends. Lisa is paranoid that Phil is having an affair and accuses Mel of being his other woman, which she is not, at that point. Phil is appointed Lexi's foster carer and ordered to arrange for Lola to visit Lexi three times a week but he immediately takes over, angering Lola by calling Lexi his baby, refusing to take presents that Lola buys for her and having her christened with the name Mitchell, instead of Pearce. Following on from this, Phil tells Sharon they are over forever and begins a secret relationship with Kat. However, Mel is upset by Lisa's accusation and Phil comforts her, leading to a one-night stand. After blackmailing Billy into telling him that Mel slept with Phil before she married Steve on the night of the shooting, Dan kidnaps Mel and alerts both Phil and Steve about this threatening to kill her unless they pay him 200,000. Lola regains full custody of Lexi, leaving Phil to feel lonely. When Dalton plans to have her killed, sending his bouncer George Peters (Andy Beckwith) to rape and murder Kate in her house, Phil comes to Kate's rescue by knocking out Peters just as he attacks Kate. Later on, Phil claims to have killed Stella and is taken into custody but is later released without charge. [38], In addition the character has been praised for being good value, realistic, consistent within his character and convincing. He does so, and Sharon punches him and insists she will divorce him. Later, Ben tells Phil that he will donate part of his liver. [12], Phil's disposition altered during the early 2000s when a darker more menacing side to his personality began to surface. He has played the role of Phil Mitchell since 1990 when he arrived in Walford with brother Grant (Ross Kemp) and mum . He regrets it, denying it to Kathy so Grant threatens to kill her to make her leave but Phil later bribes her into agreeing to a divorce. Kathy insists to Phil that he justifies his reasons to Ben about giving Jay the car lot land. After this, Sharon attempts to poison Ian but cannot go through with it. If y. Sonia Fowler (also Jackson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Natalie Cassidy.Her first appearance was on 2 December 1993 and she departed on 2 February 2007. This Phil does by frogmarching Peters back to Dalton's nightclub, the "Imperial Room", and urging Dalton himself to let Kate go free. 20 February 1990: Phil Mitchell arrives 22 February 1990: Grant Mitchell arrives 12 July 1990: Sam Mitchell arrives 30 April 1991: Peggy Mitchell arrives June 1991: Peggy Mitchell departs 4 July 1991: Ricky and Sam Butcher get married 26 December 1991: Grant and Sharon Mitchell get married 4 February 1993: Sam Butcher departs Ben finds a solicitor's letter of Phil's that mentions Raymond and after confronting Phil, Phil tells Ben that Raymond is his half-brother. After comforting Sharon when she lashes out at Johnny in the wake of Dennis' funeral, Phil promises to avenge his death. Gillian Taylforth as Kathy Beale Letitia Dean as Sharon Watts James Bye as Martin Fowler Steve McFadden as. He then asks Ben for alcohol, revealing he has been drinking during his kidnapping. He then discovers that Ben is in a sexual relationship with Paul Coker (Jonny Labey) and is kidnapped by Kathy's husband, Gavin. In gratitude for Grant rescuing Ben, Phil tells Grant that Mark is his son. Phil and Ben later spend time together and they slowly bond, eventually leading to Ben moving in with Phil. "[25] The storyline also sees Phil become more violent. EastEnders spoilers: Furious Phil Mitchell demands Gray Atkins sets him free after being arrested. He is also the older brother of Grant and Sam Mitchell, as well as being the father of Ben and Louise Mitchell, Raymond Dawkins and the adoptive father of Dennis Rickman Jr. storyline captured viewer and media interest and the culprit-reveal episode was watched by 22 million viewers. Phil later grows annoyed when Kate befriends Dennis, and ends up punching him upon learning that the two nearly had sex together. Later on, Phil learns that Dennis has previously been involved in Dalton's criminal organization The Firm. [42] as well as be nominated at the Inside Soap Awards for 'Best Actor' in 2011. EastEnders will always be No1 in my heart and I look forward to returning to Albert Square." However, she later overhears his secret and begins plotting against him with the help from their family solicitor Marcus Christie (Stephen Churchett). EastEnders viewers learned Billy Mitchell's real age on the BBC soap, and many were in disbelief over how old he was. Phil is told by Ian that Ben has died after a homophobic attack following a night out, however this turns out to be Paul, Ben's boyfriend. Phil, unsure of whom to believe, begins investigating alongside Ben into who is the real father of Sharon's baby. [4] Phil persuades Lisa to return to him and then makes it clear that it is Louise he and Peggy want, not Lisa. [15] In an interview with The Guardian McFadden commented on his alter ego's descent into villainy "Phil's been had over by a lot of people, so now he feels like he can do it back. "[8] Ross Kemp got the role of Grant. He and Kathy reconcile when he attends counselling, until he begins an affair with fellow alcoholic Lorna Cartwright (Janet Dibley) who starts stalking him. Wanting Louise's address, he discovers that Peggy is back in London, so visits her. The soap's. Phil and Ronnie learn that Phil must remain sober for at least six months before he can undergo the liver transplant. [22] In July 2004, it was announced that McFadden had delayed his return. "[18] Script writers were reportedly given private security after a writer's laptop was stolen in what was believed to be an attempt to gain the identity of the assailant. It says that unless problems are worked through (the female method), they will be repeated generation after generation". Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden. Later, Louise goes to Walford to tell the family that Phil is in hospital with a damaged liver. Ferguson had previously been a producer on ITV's The Bill which seemed to be challenging EastEnders in providing a realistic vision of modern life in London. Phil is on the warpath (Picture: BBC) These are the intense scenes which see an arrested Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) baying for the blood of Kush Kazemi ( Davood Ghadami ), who double. Steve McFadden is 5 foot 7 inches tall. Phil hands Max his pillow, insisting that he kills him, but Max shakes his hand and says that he forgives him. Phil begs her to stay, admitting he is dying from cirrhosis. Phil is hospitalised again with an infection and Sharon discovers that Phil has changed his will to leave everything to Louise so she forces him to have the will amended to include her. [7] He starts seeing Lisa Shaw (Lucy Benjamin), but the relationship stalls when Kathy returns briefly in 1999 and sleeps with Grant. Nick overhears this, and cuts the brakes of the wedding car. Phil later kidnaps Carl in the garage and plans to kill him, though Ronnie stops him at the last minute. Sharon resumes her relationship with Phil and moves in with him. This soon puts a strain on their relationship and by Christmas they have separated, resulting in Sharon returning to the United States. Producers worked closely with drug and alcohol charities, including Addaction and DrugScope. Phil's one of the most iconic characters in the EastEnders cast 2022 (Credit: BBC) Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden. He pressures Phil into blaming Sharon for their affair and Grant forces her to leave Walford. After talking, it appears Keanu has talked Phil out of killing him but when Shirley cannot find Callum in the address Keanu has given, Phil snaps and prepares to kill Keanu. Phil soon gets into a disagreement with Sharon when she continually puts her work at The Albert before their relationship, only beginning to become more involved with the bar when she is unimpressed at his lack of interest in her work. [] What he's really doing is self-harm which is a common response to anger. [4] Kate disappears, but several months later, Phil finds her working as the secretary for the Walford's veteran reigning gangland kingpin - Jack Dalton (Hywel Bennett). Martin Fowler was born in this hospital and Andy O'Brien worked there. Unable to stop her legally, Kate agrees; however, Phil discovers this and his marriage with Kate ends after he refuses to forgive her for costing him Louise. Phil demands that Lisa change Louise's name to Mitchell legally and organises a christening. [4], Despite the pair still being fierce enemies, Steve later conspires with Phil to have Dan sent down in order to rid Mel from her tormentor for good, but Dan is ultimately acquitted despite their efforts. When Lexi is unwell, Phil praises Lola's actions, and decides to tell Social Services that Lola may be ready to have Lexi back. The episode in which Phil betrayed his brother with Sharon occurred in September 1992 in one of the soap's notorious three-handers. In February 2020, Keanu returns to the square and captures Ben's boyfriend, Callum Highway (Tony Clay), demanding 100,000 for his freedom. By then, Phil's drinking worsens and he drives with Ian and Dennis in the car whilst intoxicated. Jay attempts to confront Phil about why he is receiving the car lot and Phil admits he killed his biological father, Jase Dyer, who died in the car lot fire when Phil torched it 23 years previously in an insurance scam. Phil decides he wants to spend Christmas alone and Sharon reluctantly agrees. Phil finds Louise but she tells him to leave. Ben struggles to grieve for Paul's death and asks Phil for a gun to take revenge, but he refuses and Ben disappears. The fight spills into the cabin and the wheel of the boat is knocked, steering it into a port in the River Thames causing the boat to crash and sink. It quickly turns out Carl threatened Shirley to stay away from Walford or he would harm Phil's family. Phil is unable to give Ronnie away on her wedding day to Jack, so she and Roxy visit him in hospital. All rights for this video go to BBC Studios. During a family meal where Peggy is set to announce her engagement to her brother-in-law Archie (Larry Lamb), tensions build when Phil upsets Ben and nearly lashes out at him. Billy confronts Phil over his actions and ends up punching him. The pair are old friends, . Ben is angry with Phil for making him feel second best to his and Sharon's other children. The "Who Shot Phil?" Things finally came to a head in 1994 with some of EastEnders most popular and renowned episodes, which were dubbed "Sharongate" centred around Grant's discovery of the affair and his reaction. He then learns from Ben that Lola has ended their relationship and has begun dating Ian's son Peter Beale (Ben Hardy). Fearful and angry, Ben retaliates by murdering Heather just as Phil returns to confront him. He was introduced to the soap opera on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother Grant (Ross Kemp), sister Sam (Danniella Westbrook/Kim Medcalf) and mother Peggy (Jo Warne/Barbara Windsor). There, Phil discovers Ben's current boyfriend Luke Browning (Adam Astill) is Willmott-Brown's son when he finds a photo of them. Contents 1 Background 2 Storylines [30], The character continues to be featured heavily in high-profile storylines which have included various feuds, police enquiries, armed robbery, kidnapping, numerous affairs and relationship problems and an ongoing plot concentrating on the character's struggles to bond with his children. Both actors worked well together and shared similar physical characteristics, such as short cropped hair and a "round, open face" facial characteristics also shared by Danniella Westbrook, who was chosen to play their sister Samantha because of this.[8]. However, Phil is surprised when the pub's new owner turns out to be Shirley's brother Mick Carter (Danny Dyer). This prompts Phil and Grant to confront Johnny, warning him to stay away from Peggy under the threat of further violence. Phil is later reunited with a dying Peggy. Phil refuses to speak at Ronnie and Roxy's funeral, but changes his mind after Michelle (now played by Jenna Russell) speaks to him. 2005 saw the highly anticipated screen return of both of the Mitchell brothers six years since they last appeared together. Unfortunately, after Dennis batters Johnny at the stroke of the New Year, Johnny arranges for him to be stabbed and Dennis dies in Sharon's arms leaving her devastated, while Phil becomes ridden with guilt for Dennis' death and vows revenge against Johnny. Martin, then takes Keanu to a warehouse, where he had to kill him and record himself doing it as proof for the Mitchells. Carl is unfazed by Phil's threats for retribution and gloats that he has contacts inside prison who can harm Ben if Phil does anything to him. Sharon grows to accept his theory, but then demands to know if he is hiding anymore secrets from her up to the point when she asks him what could be worse than covering up a murder. Show producer Sean O'Connor has revealed that he will come back a changed man. When Phil learns that Max has taken over The Arches, he promises revenge and blames Sharon for the loss of the business. When Shirley confesses she still loves Phil, he spurns her advances and instead proposes marriage to Sharon after she regains consciousness. Of particular note is an episode where Phil attends Alcoholics Anonymous (February 1997), an "alien and uncomfortable arena" where he was forced to talk about his condition, expose his vulnerability and reveal the basis of his problem the physical abuse he'd received from his father and his fear that he will do the same. Phil rescues Louise but the car explodes before he can help Steve, who dies in the inferno. At the court hearing to determine Lexi's future, Phil exposes Lola's lateness and temper during her scheduled meetings with Lexi, sabotaging her chances of winning Lexi back. Whitney instead accidentally runs over Kat and drives off, after this Phil stays in hospital with Kat until she recovers. Max returns to Walford and Sharon decides not to tell Phil, but when Max discovers that Phil bribed the foreman in his trial, Max visits Phil in hospital, revealing that he knows the truth. In his absence, Phil and Sharon continue their affair but when Grant is released, Sharon reconciles with him, leaving Phil heartbroken. Ben and Jay are kidnapped by Paul's killers and he attempts to go after them, however when he collapses, Grant offers to help him get Ben and Jay back. Grant also makes a brief reappearance, warning Phil to expect a war over money owed to Grant. He then forms a relationship with local beautician Suzy Branning (Maggie O'Neill) in an attempt to move on from Stella, and the two end up getting engaged with each other after she falsely claims to be pregnant with his child. No money is being made from this & no copyright infringement intended. Bex gives Phil and Sharon information on a hotel where Lisa and Louise are and compared to Sharon, Phil shows a lack of regard to Lisa's mental health. [3] Sharon and Grant's reconciliation is brief, and amidst more rowing and physical violence, Grant is arrested and imprisoned. He is the fianc of Kat Slater and is portrayed by Steve McFadden. Phil advises against it but Ben is adamant, however, Ben's psychiatric test results mean that it is unlikely he will be able to. After discovering Aidan has been tormenting Mick and his family, Phil punches Aidan and shows him evidence that he killed Luke which forces Aidan to leave Walford for good. [3], For the roles of Phil and Grant Mitchell many actors were screen-tested together. This progressively helps Phil, up to the point where it manages to reveal the basis of his problem the physical abuse he received from his late father, Eric (George Russo)[6] because she was pregnant with their son Phil (Steve McFadden) when he was a boy, and his fear that he may abuse Ben. At the start of 2014, Phil learns that Carl has entrapped Ronnie into having a relationship with him though she quickly ends it upon discovering his actions against the Mitchells. When Billy uses his job as Johnny's nightclub to discover CCTV footage of Chrissie confessing Den's murder to her boyfriend Jake Moon (Joel Beckett) and Johnny's henchman from an earlier night, Billy informs Phil who goes to confront Johnny without Grant's consent. Mel, however, realizes it was a mistake and reconciles with Steve Owen (Martin Kemp), making Phil jealous. Phil shouts at a struggling Lisa as Louise deteriorates and Lisa and Louise go to hospital together. His bullying of Ian Beale is often done as a means of deriving pleasure. EASTENDERS fans could see Phil Mitchell get his comeuppance and be locked up as Sharon Watts' guilt over Ian Beale could get the better of her. Phil returns 18 months later, needing more money. Phil repairs his fractured relationship with Sharon and they have sex. However, Phil soon takes his frustrations out of Jamie, who then dies after being struck by a car driven by Martin Fowler leaving Phil devastated. They later marry, but are oblivious to Shirley's bitterness up to the point where she attempts to persuade him to be with her, rather than Sharon, only hours before the wedding. Distracted, Phil crashes the car, and Dennis is badly injured. Unaware of Phil's role in her attack, Sharon accepts.
