EASTENDERS viewers were left baffled as Comic Relief aired an unseen soap scene.
Fans know Phil Mitchell – played by Steve McFadden – has seen his mental health spiral in recent months.
A five-minute mini-episode focused on the soap legend’s experience with a new friend.
In a flashback to Phil’s time in the mental health unit, he spoke with a patient named Andy – played by Jake Rory.
The younger man shared details of his time at a homeless youth hostel, and the pair realised that they have more in common than first anticipated.
However, some viewers were confused as to where the instalment fit in the BBC show’s timeline.
One wrote on X: “#EastEnders technicality – this isn’t “continuing” the story, it’s a previously unseen flashback as the latest episode covered Phil’s stay over multiple days and then saw him leave the facility.
“This mini-episode is set during the period before he left.”
The segment followed a special EastEnders instalment guest-starring Keith Allen.
Keith appeared in the role of Gaz, whom Phil meets at the mental health unit.
Phil’s struggles culminated in him attempting to take his own life during the show’s 40th anniversary.
Thankfully, he was unsuccessful, and was taken in by a mental health facility.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”EastEnders fans horror as harrowing scene sees Phil Mitchell try to shoot himself in the head” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369064829112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]EastEnders collaborated with Comic Relief this Red Nose Day to highlight mental health and the importance of getting treatment.
The soap and Comic Relief consulted with Brandon Centre, a Comic Relief funded charity focusing on youth mental help support to ensure the storyline has been handled as sensitively and as accurately as possible.
Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders Executive Producer said of the storyline: “We’re thrilled to be working alongside Comic Relief and Brandon Centre as we continue to explore the complex realities of Phil’s journey with mental health.
“Whilst seeking treatment, Phil and Andy quickly realise they have more in common than they first anticipated.”
Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, said: “Comic Relief has a long and proud history of supporting incredible organisations who are delivering vital work to help tackle homelessness and the ongoing mental health crisis.
“We are extremely grateful to EastEnders and Brandon Centre for their work in helping to create this powerful and poignant film that will resonate with so many.
“Together with your support this Red Nose Day, we can help ensure support just like this is available to those who need it the most right here in the UK and around the world.”
Julia Brown, CEO Brandon Centre added: “The support from Comic Relief has been invaluable.
“It has allowed us to make an enormous difference to local homeless young people, with therapy delivered directly in hostels, at a time when they need it the most.
“Working alongside the EastEnders team has been hugely important, as it is significantly helping raise awareness of the drastic impact of homelessness on young people’s lives.”
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
