EASTENDERS viewers have been captivated by Phil Mitchell’s intense battle with psychosis, and are now speculating it could mean the return of one of the show’s most beloved characters.

The mechanic’s mental health has spiralled over recent months and during the show’s 40th birthday episodes saw him having intense hallucinations of his late mum, Peggy Mitchell.

The gripping flashback sequence led to what appeared to be a suicide attempt, and now, fans are speculating that a major character from Phil’s past may be making a comeback.

Steve McFadden’s character on EastEnders has been severely depressed, pushing away those closest to him and becoming increasingly isolated.

At one point, he locked himself inside the Arches and attempted to poison himself, leaving fans concerned for his fate.

Following the special 40th-anniversary episodes, speculation has been rife that Phil’s storyline could pave the way for an emotional reunion.

Taking to social media, one viewer begged: “Please God let it be true that we get Shirl back in a fortnight!”

Another replied: “I beg! Phil is having special scenes in his psyche ward apparently? And last we heard Shirley was in one too. People be getting my hopes up and I’m gonna let them looool.”

While a third user penned: “Not to be dramatic but I NEED this to be true.” And a fourth person gushed: “I will give Nugget a kidney and everything, just PLEASE!”

However, another user pondered: “Imagine if we’re all expecting Shirley and he bumps into Mick with no memories instead.”

Fans of the show have been speculating for a while that Phil’s stay in a psychiatric unit could mean a surprise reunion with Shirley.

Longtime fans will remember Phil’s turbulent relationship with Shirley, which ended dramatically when she learned that his son Ben had killed her best friend, Heather.

Though Phil convinced Shirley not to report Ben to the police, he later confessed and turned himself in. Devastated by Phil’s betrayal, Shirley turned to alcohol once again.

After losing her son Mick, played by Danny Dyer, Shirley left Walford and struggled with her mental health. Upon returning, her son Dean revealed that she had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital, leading many to believe this might be the moment for her return.

Meanwhile, Phil’s psychological distress reached a new level when he experienced vivid hallucinations while standing on the roof of the community centre. Appearing lost in his thoughts, he envisioned a conversation with his mother, Peggy Mitchell, from when she was younger.

The emotional episode saw Phil sitting down with a loaded the gun, holding it to himself. However, before he could act, his brother Grant and friend Nigel materialised.

This, too, was a figment of Phil’s imagination but he was abruptly awakened by Nigel, snapping him out of his hallucinations. As Phil regained consciousness, fans were treated to the surprise return of Grant, who has been absent from the show since 2016.