EASTENDERS fans have praised the soap for its special flashback episode tonight – and are all saying the same thing about young Phil Mitchell.
The BBC One soap aired a special episode which saw viewers taken back to the year 1979 and a young Mitchell family.
Viewers were introduced to a very young Phil Mitchell during the flashback episode
The episode was designed to reveal just why police detective Keeble has such a vendetta against Phil and his family
It showed family matriarch Peggy Mitchell, played by Jaime Winston, under pressure as the cracks in her marriage to Eric began to show.
Viewers were also introduced to young Phil and Grant who were taken on a criminal job by their father, leaving protective mum Peggy unhappy.
The episode was designed to reveal just why police detective Keeble has such a vendetta against Phil and his family.
Eric had set things up so a friendly guard would let them empty the place and cash in.
But as the gang raided the warehouse, the other security guard returned.
As Phil is placed under pressure by his dad to shoot the security guard, he freezes on the spot.
Eric then ordered Phil, Grant and Billy out as he grabbed the gun himself.
In latter scenes it was revealed that the security guard who Eric Mitchell murdered was in fact detective Keeble’s dad.
While the revelation left viewers at home gasping in shock, fans were full of praise for actor Daniel Delaney for his portrayal of Phil as he stood up to protect his mum from his abuser dad.
“Congratulations @bbceastenders tonight’s episode was brilliant and the young actor you had playing Phil was incredible. I genuinely believed that was Phil back in the day. Please do more episodes like this again,” said one fan.
“Good #eastenders tonight. Fella playing young Phil was a revelation,” said Dan.
While Amanda Hnery-Lomiglio said: “I need a regular spin off show now,” before adding: “The acting was superb. The guy who played Phil was brilliant.”
“Whoever cast that flashback episode, take a bow. Mannerisms of young Phil, Billy & Ronnie all eerily spot on.” said Christopher Moore.
It remains to be seen what happens next as Phil learns of just why Keeble won’t stop her long-running vendetta.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
In latter scenes it was revealed that the security guard who Eric Mitchell murdered was in fact detective Keeble’s dad.
Keeble’s security guard dad was murdered
