EastEnders to air special mini episode on Phil Mitchell’s mental health in soap shake up
EASTENDERS is to air a special mini episode focusing on Phil Mitchell’s mental health in a soap shake up.
The BBC soap usually airs 30 minute episodes but in a twist on the usual format, it will share with viewers a special five minute mini episode on Friday, March 21.
The move comes after EastEnders collaborated with Comic Relief this Red Nose Day to highlight mental health and the importance of getting treatment.
EastEnders fans will know Phil – played by Steve McFadden – has seen his mental health spiral in recent months, culminating in him attempting to take his own life during the show’s 40th anniversary week.
Thankfully, he was unsuccessful, and has been in a mental health facility ever since as he receives much needed help and support.
Whilst at the mental health unit, Phil makes friends with a patient called Andy – played by Jake Rory – who shares details of his time at a homeless youth hostel, and the pair soon realise that they have more in common than first anticipated.
EastEnders and Comic Relief have consulted with Brandon Centre, a Comic Relief funded charity which focuses 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.”
The mini episode will follow a previously announced special EastEnders instalment featuring guest star Keith Allen.
Help for mental health
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.
The following are free to contact and confidential:
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Shout (for support of all mental health) www.giveusashout.org/get-help/, text 85258 to start a conversation
Mind, www.mind.org, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).
YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.
Rethink Mental Illness, www.rethink.org, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
It will be set across four weeks and will focus on Phil’s journey in the mental health unit.
It will air on Thursday, March 20 at 7:30pm on BBC One.
Comic Relief begins at 7pm on Friday, March 21 on BBC One. EastEnders is available on BBC iPlayer.