Keith Allen has made a notable entry into the world of EastEnders, taking on a special guest role as part of Phil Mitchell’s mental health journey. What’s striking is that Allen almost joined the iconic soap long before in a different capacity, adding an intriguing twist to his involvement.
In a gripping episode airing tonight, viewers will witness Phil’s journey inside a mental health unit, where he encounters Gaz, played by Keith Allen. As Phil Mitchell struggles on his path to recovery, he forms a connection with Gaz, hesitating to open up amidst his complex emotional battles. This powerful storyline, unfolding over a month, delves into Phil’s fight with depression and his experiences of psychosis, starting from his initial treatment through his emotional recovery journey.
Allen expressed his excitement over his EastEnders role on The One Show, acknowledging it as a “bucket list” opportunity. He revealed to hosts Alex Jones and Clara Amfo that he was previously approached to play Danny Dyer’s father on the show. Humorous exchanges with Dyer himself colored these past negotiations, as Allen explained, “I think they wanted me to play Danny Dyer’s dad and I was constantly getting calls from Danny. But I didn’t because I couldn’t commit to a contract.”
This revelation adds depth to Allen’s guest role on EastEnders, a show long inhabited by unforgettable characters. Mick Carter’s father, Buster Briggs, had been introduced in 2014, portrayed by Karl Howman until his exit in 2016. Despite missing out on playing Danny Dyer’s on-screen dad, Allen found fulfillment in his present role, appreciating its impact and representation on television.
As the storyline progresses, EastEnders continues to tackle meaningful issues, with Phil’s journey set for an engaging expansion during Comic Relief’s special five-minute episode. This additional content raises awareness, portraying Phil’s developing relationship with another patient, Andy, played by Jake Rory. Their shared experiences reveal profound similarities, bridging gaps in understanding and empathy.
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw praised the collaboration with Comic Relief and Brandon Centre, emphasizing ongoing efforts to illustrate Phil’s complex mental health struggles. Exploring Phil and Andy’s dynamics enriches the narrative, highlighting shared human experiences and offering a heartfelt portrayal of camaraderie.
EastEnders maintains its role as a cornerstone of British television by addressing timely social issues through engaging storytelling. Keith Allen’s involvement and historic almost-casting as Danny Dyer’s dad underscore the show’s dedication to bringing compelling narratives to life.
For those keen to follow along, EastEnders continues its dramatic unfolds every weeknight, airing Monday through Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One, with early access from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
