EastEnders is planning a huge week for scenes to air ahead of the big anniversary episodes, with an icon’s return, another legend facing a mental health crisis and Sonia Fowler in danger

There’s some big scenes on EastEnders next week in the lead-up to the 40th anniversary episodes.

There’s a big return and a soap legend faces a crisis, while another fan favourite could be in serious danger amid news they are leaving the BBC soap. There’s huge moments and hints at what is ahead for some, ahead of dramatic scenes looming the following week

Phil Mitchell’s mental health drastically declines in upcoming episodes, leading to some special scenes and a huge return. Phil was revealed to be at the centre of a loneliness storyline last month, and now it’s confirmed the character is facing depression and will experience psychosis.

Sadly the character will attempt to take his own life in upcoming scenes, and next week residents try to help him through his struggles. His brother Grant returns to Walford after Nigel reaches out to him it seems.

Before this Phil pushes everyone away and he refuses to see a doctor. He then begins to hallucinate, and in special scenes – as he struggles to decipher what is real and what isn’t – Phil is reunited with moments, and people, from his past.

There’s some big scenes on EastEnders next week ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
As Phil disappears a search party tries to track him down. He’s at home though, and as his depression takes holds he experiences symptoms of psychosis in the form of hallucinations depicting scenes from the Mitchell family home in 1985. Viewers will see a pivotal moment from his adolescence.

As Phil’s mental state worsens, he’s eventually tracked down by Jay and Sharon soon arrives for a crisis talk. Soon enough another visitor enters the house, and Grant is back.

Elsewhere, amid the news Sonia is leaving the BBC soap after 32 years there’s danger ahead. Sonia is convinced there’s more to Bianca’s recent murder confession as Bianca remains missing.

There’s a big return and a soap legend faces a crisis, while another fan favourite could be in serious danger ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Killer Reiss is struggling to get her to drop it, and soon Sonia feels unwell and is taken to hospital. Meanwhile as Reiss heads to the lock up where he’s keeping Bianca, he is alarmed by a discovery.

He soon flees to Sonia’s side, and alter when Sonia is home she makes a chilling discovery that stop her in her tracks. Sonia confronts her partner and a tense showdown ensues, and as Sonia goes to flee Reis blocks her exit – so is Sonia in danger?

Elsewhere in Walford next week, Linda returns from rehab, Penny and Chelsea make amends and Ruby impresses Martin. Jack has a gesture for Denise, Teddy is planning Billy and Honey’s Sten-do and Priya and Ian share a drink – but what is she up to?