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EastEnders' Phil Mitchell is seen breaking down at his late parents' graves in first look images amid the heartbreaking new storyline which will see the character attempt suicide.
The upcoming hard-hitting plot will see Phil, portrayed by Steve McFadden, struggle with his mental health as his depression spirals, which results in him ultimately attempting to take his own life.
Filming images for the BBC soap show Phil's concerned friends and family - Linda Carter, Billy Mitchell, Nigel Bates and Lexi Pearce - find what appears to be a suicide note from the mechanic left on his beloved mother Peggy's grave.
The nighttime scenes see the Walford residents gathered at a graveyard after going in search of Phil, amid growing worry for his welfare.
Shots see Steve in character as the infamous hard man standing over a grave looking emotional as he continues to struggle with his depression.
While other snaps sees the actor, 65, bundled up in a padded navy coat and a beanie hat in between scenes.
EastEnders' Phil Mitchell is seen breaking down at his late parents' graves in first look images amid the heartbreaking new storyline which will see the character attempt suicide
Filming images for the BBC soap show Phil's concerned friends and family - Linda Carter, Billy Mitchell, Nigel Bates and Lexi Pearce - find what appears to be a suicide note from the mechanic left on his beloved mother Peggy's grave
Further images show the character being comforted by cousin Billy (Perry Fenwick) and granddaughter Lexi (Isabella Brown).
Nigel (Paul Bradley) also embraces his longtime pal, having recently returned to Albert Square after 27 years away.
With another snap revealing the shock moment Linda (Kellie Bright) leans down at Peggy's grave to uncover a note, seemingly penned by Phil.
In upcoming scenes, Phil will start to isolate himself from his close family and friends as he comes to terms with Sharon's new relationship with his cousin Teddy, the collapse of his marriage to Kat and son Ben's imprisonment in America.
As his depression deepens, Phil behind to experience vivid hallucinations, leading him to the heartbreaking belief that his life is no longer worth living.
The storyline will follow the impact Phil's depression will have on his family and friends as they struggle to understand and support him.
EastEnders is working closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure Phil's story is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible.
The BBC soap's executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: 'Phil's depression storyline will focus on his decline in mental health and the subsequent psychotic symptoms, and the reaction of those around him, as we hope to demonstrate how mental health can affect anyone at any time.
The upcoming hard-hitting plot will see Phil, portrayed by Steve McFadden, struggle with his mental health as his depression spirals, which results in him ultimately attempting to take his own life
The nighttime scenes see the Walford residents gathered at a graveyard after going in search of Phil, amid growing worry for his welfare
Shots see Steve in character as the infamous hard man standing over a grave looking emotional as he continues to struggle with his depression
Dressed in his signature black leather jacket, Phil is seen struggling with his emotions
The character has been battling with depression and loneliness in recent months
Other snaps sees the actor, 65, bundled up in a padded navy coat and a beanie hat in between scenes
Steve has played the Walford resident for 35 years
In between scenes, the actor was spotted studying his script
Further images show the character being comforted by cousin Billy (Perry Fenwick) and granddaughter Lexi (Isabella Brown)
Phil embraces Lexi in heartbreaking scenes
Nigel (Paul Bradley) also embraces his longtime pal, having recently returned to Albert Square after 27 years away
A struggling Phil visited the graves of both his parents Eric and Peggy
The cast shot scenes late into the night amid the hard-hitting plot
The actors bundled up in padded coats in between scenes
'Steve's performance is nothing short of extraordinary and has thoughtfully portrayed the complex realties of depression, and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding.'
Grant Mitchell, portrayed by Ross Kemp, will make a surprise return to the BBC soap after nine years to help his brother who grapples with his mental health.
Grant was last seen in 2016 when he returned for mum Peggy Mitchell's funeral and the appearance will be part of the soap's 40th anniversary special episode.
Another snap reveals the shock moment Linda (Kellie Bright) leans down at Peggy's grave to uncover a note, seemingly penned by Phil
Linda, Lexi and Billy all worry for Phil amid the latest development in Phil's depression storyline
The graves of late Walford residents Pat Evans and Heather Trott are also pictured
The cast wrapped up in warm coats as they took some downtime from filming
Kellie munched on an apple while chatting to co-star Perry in between scenes
The storyline will follow the impact Phil's depression will have on his family and friends as they struggle to understand and support him
EastEnders is working closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure Phil's story is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible
Confirming his return, Ross said: 'I'm delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary.
'EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour.
'Grant has never been far from the action and let's just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang.'
For help for a mental health crisis contact Mind on: 0300 123 3393
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