Phil Mitchell

Phil Mitchell is a main character in the BBC soap opera Eastenders. Introduced in 1990, Phil was the first member of the Mitchell family to appear on the show, followed shortly by his younger brother, Grant. Phil has served as an antagonist of numerous storylines throughout the series, though he has served as an ant-hero or even protagonist in more recent times. Regardless of his more heroic moments, Phil is a ruthless individual with a violent streak, often going to great lengths to put his enemies in their place. He is portrayed by Steve McFadden.

Character Development
Initally, while both of the Mitchell Brothers gave off a sense of physical danger and masculinity, Phil was depicted as the more level-headed and street-wise member of the duo, often getting his more impulsive younger brother Grant out of trouble or using mind games and manipulation against his enemies. However, after Grant left Eastenders and the series progressed, Phil became more aggressive and violent, while Grant began to portray a much calmer demeanor during his brief returns to the Square.

Phil has been at the center of various storylines, including his affair with Grant's wife Sharon in 'Sharongate', sturggling with alcoholism, being shot by his ex-girlfirend Lisa Shaw, looking after his son Ben, developing a crack-cocaine addiction and setting fire to the Vic.

Steve McFadden left Eastenders in 2003, but returned in 2005 and has been a permenant member of the cast since then.