Albert Square’s answer to Tony Soprano has been off the scene since his liver transplant at the beginning of this year.
Phil (played by Steve McFadden) is currently recovering with his wife Sharon (Letitia Dean) in Italy, though she made a brief return last month.
However, the EastEnders hard man will be returning to Walford imminently according to Louise Mitchell actress Tilly Keeper, fans should prepare for plenty of drama.
“It’s a very big storyline between all of us,” she teased. “We can’t say too much, but expect big drama.”
The 19-year-old’s comments come after showrunner Sean O’Connor also hinted at huge plans for Phil’s highly-anticipated comeback.
“Phil returns in a moment of crisis for the Mitchells. But he is a changed Phil from the exhausted lion that left the square,” he explained.“Steve McFadden is a mesmerising actor. Every scene he does with absolute commitment and conviction.
“It’s amazing to watch how he does it. He’s great at rage and pent up aggression, but he was at his most moving after the death of Peggy.
“And when he told Sharon that he loved her just before he was taken away for his liver transplant on Christmas Day was so touching.”
He added: “It has been very rewarding finding fresh material for Phil. His days of being a hard man are coming to an end and he has had a real wake-up call after the transplant.
“He knows that he has a second chance now and it’s given him food for thought. Has he had a good life?
“Can he right the wrongs of the past? And even if he wants to, does he have the time to do it?”
EastEnders continues Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.
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