Phil Mitchell returns to EastEnders leaving Kat with a decision

By Helen Daly

Published: Tuesday, 20 December 2022 at 12:00 am

Never one to arrive quietly, Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden) returned to EastEnders in tonight’s (20th December) episode at just the right moment.

The resident hardman fled Walford earlier in the year when the pressures of his battle with Keeble (Alison Newman) once again became too much.

His return couldn’t have come at a more dramatic time for the residents of Albert Square, with just last night, Kat (Jessie Wallace) kissing her former flame Alfie (Shane Richie).

Throughout tonight’s episode, Alfie was keen to get things back on track with Kat now that they had shared their first kiss in a long time.

But Kat was having regrets the morning after, and insisted it was a silly mistake and they were really through, even kicking out Alfie just days before Christmas.

Alfie took it in his stride, realising perhaps the ship had sailed, and he packed his bags ready to leave.

However, Kat had seen just how happy it had made their children having Alfie around, and after some soul-searching, allowed him to stay for a bit longer – though shutting off any chance of a reunion.

At the same time, Ricky (Sid Owen) went on a date with his ex, Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) in The Queen Vic.

After catching up on old times, it seemed things were bubbling along nicely between the pair, with Ricky even leaning in for a kiss with Sam outside.