A new EastEnders star has a stunning connection to a UK pop legend as fans fear a ‘heartbreaking’ storyline is on the way when he makes his debut.

It was announced on Tuesday evening that Keith Allen will be joining the BBC soap’s cast ahead of an upcoming episode focusing on Phil Mitchell’s mental health journey.

Set across a month, the episode will show the Albert Square veteran in a mental health unit from the moment he starts his treatment, with him agreeing to go there during the show’s 40th anniversary week.

Phil was recommended to enter the unit when he attempted to end his own life in front of his brother Grant. While initially reluctant to face his trauma, Phil begins to understand what’s causing his depression and psychosis.

Keith will be playing the role of a patient called Gaz, who bonds with Phil in group therapy and activities over their their shared life experience.

Speaking on his guest role, Keith Allen said: “I’ve written a number one hit single, I’ve presented Top of the Pops, I’ve played the lead in the West End and I was at Craven Cottage when we beat Juventus 4-1.. .Could it get better than that?

“Well, yes, I’ve just guested in an episode of EastEnders…What a joy! And what an honour to be a part of Steve McFadden’s incredibly moving story line. I may be a resting actor but I now rest in peace.”

The acting legend has appeared in a number of huge movies over the years, including Danny Boyle’s cult-classic Trainspotting, Nicole Kidman horror movie The Others and 2023’s The Buckingham Murders.

Keith will be playing the role of a patient called Gaz, who bonds with Phil in group therapy and activities over their their shared life experience(Image: BBC)

Keith has been married on two occasions, to Shaun of the Dead producer Alison Owen from 1984 to 1989 and to Complete Fiction Pictures’ Nira Parks, who he married in 1997 before getting divorced at a later date.

During his marriage to Alison Owen, Keith, who has six children in total, welcomed his famous children Lilly and Alfie into the world, with the pair becoming major names in music and film.

Lilly Allen broke out as singing sensation at the age 20, when her debut song Smile reached the top of the charts in 2006 and her first album Alright, Still sold 2.6 copies worldwide.

The Grammy-nominated artist has scored two number one albums three number one singles during her career, including her take of Somewhere Only We Know for a John Lewis Christmas ad. Lilly has also launched her own record label In the Name Of, released an autobiography and even received a Laurence Oliver nomination for her performance in 2.22 A Ghost Story.

Keith’s son and Lilly’s brother Alfie Allen appeared on all eight seasons of Game of Thrones as Theon Greyjoy, receiving an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2019. Outside of the fantasy epic, Alfie has appeared in John Wick, The Predator and Jojo Rabbit.

Meanwhile, EastEnders fans have taken to social media to express their fears that Keith’s storyline with Phil might be one of EastEnders’ saddest to date.

@MattZeeMiller said: “Keith Allen great actor, be good with Phil. Hard hitting emotions expected #eastenders.” @melikeydrwho added: “This is incredible news. EastEnders is usually at it’s best when Steve McFadden takes centre stage, and Keith Allen is an incredible actor too.”

@yasmin_ali10 posted: “Man this is gonna be so good, gosh Steve McFadden has been incredible on screen with this storyline been tough watching. Pray Steve gets the recognition hopefully with some awards later on in the year.” @stevejdabbs questioned: “Does this mean the ‘outside world’ of Walford will jump 4 weeks too?”

@RyanTheSoapking posted: “Welcome Keith Allen to #EastEnders as another special episode for Phil is set to take place. This time we see Phil embark on his journey inside the MH unit from the moment he was sectioned to the present moment set across 4 weeks. This episode will be heartbreaking.”