In recent EastEnders scenes, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who had a falling-out with his son Tommy (Sonny Kendall), unexpectedly stepped up for Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).
Alfie was in excruciating agony after receiving a punch from Tommy during an argument, and a day later, Phil noted that the ache was still present.
The two parent figures got together and came up with a strategy to deal with Tommy since they were worried about his attitude and propensity to lash out.
They brought him to a boxing gym and encouraged him to practise with a kid his own age, who quickly proved to be more challenging than Tommy had anticipated.
Phil was worried, but it wasn’t about Tommy because he saw Alfie having trouble getting out of the ring.
Phil insisted on taking him to A&E for evaluation after examining his wound.
Alfie was unsure whether it was worthwhile for him to stay in the waiting room, but Phil reassured him that it was better to be safe than sorry, and he would soon be proven right as Alfie entered the exam room.
Alfie told Phil that they had discovered blood in his pee, but he was still convinced that it was pointless to continue.
Phil stopped him as he attempted to go, leaving Alfie perplexed as to why he had grown so concerned.
Phil said that even though he and Alfie weren’t the best of friends, Alfie had family members who loved him and would want to know that he was in perfect condition.
Alfie was able to stay there thanks to the talk until the doctor called him in again.
It was obvious he was anxious about what he may hear as he established the conversation with a traditional Alfie joke.
The doctor immediately got to work and disclosed that Alfie’s scans had shown an enlarged prostate. Although this is typical for men his age, the doctor emphasised that additional testing would be necessary to rule out prostate cancer.
Alfie will receive a formal prostate cancer diagnosis in forthcoming episodes.
Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support are collaborating with EastEnders on the long-term plot, which will develop as Alfie gets used to the diagnosis and progressively opens up to those around him.
Will Phil stay at Alfie’s side for the duration of this journey?
