Ailing legend in EastEnders festive tear-jerker THINGS LOOKING GRAVE FOR PHIL
PHIL Mitchell looks on his last legs when Denise Fox finds him at his mum’s grave.
We spotted Steve McFadden, 57, who plays the veteran EastEnder, filming with Diane Parish in north London.
Our exclusive pictures show how Phil’s health is rapidly deteriorating, with his skin turning yellow as his liver fails.
The alcoholic was diagnosed with liver disease last Christmas and was warned that unless he had a transplant he would be dead within a year.
He has no idea Denise is pregnant with his baby and has no memory of their romp because he was so drunk.
In emotional scenes to be shown over Christmas, Phil will visit his beloved mum’s grave.
Denise joins him carrying the secret of her pregnancy.
She hasn’t even told her sister Kim that she is carrying a mini-Mitchell.
Denise and Phil had their boozy one-night stand at the height of one of his benders. SUSAN HILL Their baby is due around the festive period. Viewers will have to wait to see if Denise will grab the chance to finally tell Phil that he’s going to be a dad when they meet at the cemetery.
A source told the Daily Star Sunday: “Phil is dying and in the coming weeks he is going to start getting his affairs in order.
“It’s really tough for him and his family but he’s adamant he needs things in place ready for when he’s gone.
“As Christmas approaches he realises he is on borrowed time.
“It’s the first Christmas since Peggy died and if ever there was a time when Phil needed his mum, it’s now.
“He heads off to visit her grave and think through some big decisions. “When Denise spots him he looks so awful she feels the need to go over. She sits down beside him and they have a heart to heart. “Phil is dying and Denise is about to give birth to his baby. If she doesn’t tell him soon it could well be too late.”