PHIL Mitchell returns to Walford just in time for Christmas – but is rocked by death news.
The hard-man (portrayed by Steve McFadden) makes his long-awaited return to the BBC soap later this month.
He left back in October to find an ally to help take down DCI Keeble (Alison Newman) and get cousin Billy (Perry Fenwick) off the hook for armed robbery and murder of Keeble's dad.
In a special flashback episode, it was revealed Phil's dad was to blame for the death of Keeble’s father in a historic warehouse shooting in the 70s.
With Keeble trying to track Phil down, she pays Kat a visit threatening to drag him back in handcuffs if he fails to return home.
When Phil finally returns to Albert Square, Kat is fuming.
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But it's Billy's news that shocks Phil to the core as he reveals his granddaughter Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold) has been diagnosedwith a terminal brain tumour.
Meanwhile, his fiancé Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) has been unaware of what Phil's up to and has been getting close with ex and co-parent Alfie Moon again.
Should Phil be worried?
Following on from the sad day at Dot's funeral, Kat and Alfie find themselves sat together in The Vic and begin to reminisce.
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The former couple share their memories of Dot with each other and are soon found reminiscing about Nana Moon.
They discuss how it was Nana Moon's dying wish that the pair would reconcile and get back together.
Later, Kat is left reeling at Phil as he refuses to answer any of her calls which prompts Alfie to question Kat if she made the right decision and if she is happy in her marriage.
It is then not long before Kat and Sharon come to blows as they argue over the difficulty of being the spouse of Phil.
However, they soon come to bond over this as Kat attempts to reassure Sharon that there will be someone out there for her however she is insistent that she does not need a man.
Will Kat be honest about her feelings?
What will be next for hers and Phil's future?
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