Is Phil Mitchell leaving EastEnders for good?
EASTENDERS just wouldn't be the same without Phil Mitchell.
The Walford tough man has been played by Steve McFadden for over three decades - but fans have been left wondering if he is leaving Albert Square.
Is Phil Mitchell leaving EastEnders?
EastEnders viewers need not worry, as Phil Mitchell isn't leaving Albert Square anytime soon.
He is however, taking on a new job over Christmas 2023, which sees him in panto.
The actor is taking to the stage for Jack and the Beanstalk at Dunstable's Grove Theatre.
Fans have been left wondering if he will be leaving the soap for good, as the soap has teased a murder at Christmas.
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How long has Steve McFadden been in EastEnders?
Phil is one of the longest standing villains, appearing in EastEnders for the first time in early 1990.
The character has only left the soap once in the early noughties.
On Christmas Day 2003, Phil was given a choice by "Dirty Den" Watts after attacking him.
Den offered to give him £200,000 as long as he agreed not to come after him.
Both characters had been feuding, notably over Kate Morton.
Left with little choice due to being on the run after escaping from prison (which could be a hint to a potential return if the villain truly accepts his sentence), Phil accepted Den's offer and left Walford with the money he was offered.
Steve McFadden then reprised his role for a brief stint in April 2005, after his character ran out of funds, before making a more permanent return in October 2005 - and he's been on the soap ever since.
The actor has appeared in more than 3000 episodes of EastEnders.
Before joining the soap, Steve had numerous other TV roles in the late 80s.
He appeared in the film Buster as a gang member, and played a small role in the 1989 BBC movie The Firm.
This was followed by appearances in The Bill, Minder, and Bergerac.
Away from TV and Steve also has five children.
With girlfriend Karen Cairns,he had his daughter in June 2016 who they named Frankie.
His older son is called Matthew and was born to his previous girlfriend, Sue Marshall.
He also had another daughter, Amelie Tinkerbell in June 2009 with Rachel Sidwell.
Steve' has two more daughters, Teona and Mollie Jane, with ex-partner Angela Bostock.
How old is Phil Mitchell supposed to be?
Phillip James Mitchell was born on the January 20 1961, the eldest child of Eric Mitchell and Peggy Mitchell.
This would make him 62 as of December 2023.
Meanwhile, Steve McFadden was born on March 20 1959.
How many times has Phil Mitchell been married?
Phil hasn't been very lucky when it comes to his marriage.
However, he has given it a fair go, being married four times.
His first wife was Nadia Borovac and they were married from 1993 to 1994.
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Phil then wed Kathy Beale from 1995–2001 before Kate Morton 2003–2005.
His most recent marriage was to Sharon Watts between 2014–2020.