EastEnders spoilers follow for Monday's (April 23) episode, now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Grant Mitchell Returns to Walford
Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) made a dramatic return to Walford on Monday after receiving a message from his estranged son, Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple). Mark had reached out to his father following a conversation with Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf), who revealed that Grant had ignored all her calls. Mark informed Grant about the deteriorating condition of Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), who is in the advanced stages of dementia and was moved to a care home earlier this year.
Phil's Struggle
Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who had cared for Nigel for much of the past year, has been unable to visit his childhood best friend and has cut all contact. Struggling in silence, Phil's family hoped that Grant's return could help. Upon arriving in Albert Square, Grant encountered Julie (Karen Henthorn), who told him that Nigel had suffered a fall during the night and she had only just retrieved the missed calls.
Hospital Visit and Emotional Breakdown
Grant accompanied Julie to the hospital, where he broke down upon seeing his best friend. Sam offered comfort to an emotional Julie, while Grant sat with Nigel, who regained consciousness and spoke for the first time in weeks, mistaking Grant for Phil. Meanwhile, Phil resolved to stay away from the hospital after hearing about Nigel's fall.
Family Intervention
Grant, Sam, and Mark staged an intervention at Phil's house, determined to make him see that he needs to visit Nigel before it's too late. Phil exploded with rage, ordering them all out of his home. Grant informed Phil that Nigel had spoken to him, surprising Phil given that Nigel hadn't talked in weeks. The brothers soon clashed, with Phil demanding that Grant leave immediately.
Sam's Concern
Sam reiterated her concern that Phil is struggling with his mental health and that they need to help him. With Grant having a proven history of being able to get through to his brother, the question remains: can he aid Phil in his time of need?
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
