A mental health storyline on EastEnders that will see Phil Mitchell attempt to take his own life as his depression and psychosis symptoms spiral has been praised by the charity Samaritans for being a “safe and responsible” portrayal.

Phil, played by Steve McFadden, has been struggling with loneliness in recent months following his former partner Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) starting a relationship with his long-lost cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian), and the end of his marriage Kathleen “Kat” Slater (Jessie Wallace).

As he withdraws from friends and family, he has seen the re-entry of his childhood friend Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) – who has early onset dementia – to Albert Square recently.

Phil has also dealing with his son Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) being in prison in the US since last year.

“Are you the Walford Whacker?” #EastEnders, tonight at 7:30pm on @BBCOne and on @BBCiPlayer. pic.twitter.com/Kzw6j35cDn

EastEnders, whose producers have worked with The........

© South Wales Argus