Phil continues to search for Nigel and his concerns grow when Yolande and Jean confirm that they haven’t seen him. Linda supports Phil by helping with the search.

Later, Phil manages to make amends with Nigel, who reluctantly agrees to return home with him.

Once Nigel is back at the house, he breaks down and explains that he still wants to end his life before his dementia symptoms get worse. Nothing that Phil says can convince him otherwise.

Yolande gives Phil some advice and he comes up with a plan.

Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is supported by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) during a difficult time in EastEnders next week.

The Queen Vic landlady has been on hand a lot during the last few months, guiding Phil on a road to recovery during his mental health crisis.

She was one of the only locals who was aware of the extent his condition spiralled to, and is also aware of his pal Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) dementia diagnosis.

In upcoming scenes, Nige fears his memory is worsening, and Phil has to turn to Linda for help.

It all kicks off during Albert Square’s Easter celebrations, as Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) asks Nigel to dress up as the Easter bunny and during the egg hunt.

He decides to use this as a way of proving to Phil that he is capable, but it soon turns disastrous.

After confusing young Hope Fowler for his step-daughter Clare, Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) becomes frustrated. Phil has to step in and reveal that Nigel isn’t well.

Back at home, Phil then makes a troubling find – his mate is planning to take his own life if he deteriorates further.

He’s in disbelief and refuses to listen to the reasoning behind it, storming out of the house and tracking down Linda.

She offers a shoulder to cry on and asks him to have a more sympathetic approach, and to assure Nigel that he will support him no matter how bad he becomes.

The conversation is just what he needs, but when he returns to the house, Nigel has gone.

Phil shows Linda the goodbye letter as they desperately search for him.

Pictures show the pair exploring The Arches garage, where Phil previously attempted to commit suicide. Will the situation reignite bad memories?

Yolande and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) are both clueless as to where he might have gone, but they finally track him down.

After much convincing, Nigel agrees to lean on Phil and Linda if he needs them, and is overwhelmed by Phil’s caring demeanour.