EastEnders has announced that it will be airing an extra episode for Phil Mitchell’s ongoing mental health storyline.

Viewers have seen Phil struggle with his mental health over the past few months, with the character eventually being taken to a mental health unit after attempting to take his life during the 40th anniversary episodes.

It’s now been announced that the the BBC soap is working with Comic Relief this Red Nose Day to produce an exclusive 5-minute episode that will focus on Phil’s mental health and the importance of treatment.

The episode will see Phil make friends with another patient at the mental health unit named Andy (played by Jake Rory), who shares details of his time at a homeless youth hostel.

As the pair get to know each other, they soon realise that they have more in common than first anticipated.

The episode will air during Comic Relief: Funny For Money on Friday, March 21, a day after the previously announced special EastEnders episode that will focus on Phil’s mental health recovery.

EastEnders and Comic Relief have consulted with Comic Relief-funded charity Brandon Centre to ensure the storyline has been handled as sensitively and as accurately as possible.

“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,” said Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders Executive Producer.

Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, added: “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.”