In forthcoming episodes of EastEnders, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), who is supporting Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) in preparation for his new plot, is reminded of the death of a family member.
Unexpectedly, Phil and Alfie were going to become friends before Alfie learned he had prostate cancer.
In the hopes that Alfie will talk about his forthcoming MRI, Phil decides to invite him to hang out with Bert, Ernie, and Tommy (Sonny Kendall).
Phil explains to Alfie that he needs to take care of his health for his kids since someone like Lexi (Isabella Brown) doesn’t have the luxury of having two parents. Alfie seems evasive about what’s coming up.
Phil tries again later in the week, informing Alfie that he’s going to be checked out because his father Eric passed away from prostate cancer, but his attempts during the football game fall short.
Fortunately, Alfie makes the decision to go to the hospital for his test and expresses his gratitude to Phil for his help.
Chris Clenshaw, the show’s executive producer, said about this new plot line:
“When we originally started working on this plot, we realised it was essential that we collaborated with Prostate Cancer UK and Macmillan Cancer Support to appropriately convey such an emotional and important tale for Alfie, one to which many viewers may be able to connect.
“Shane has sensitively and sympathetically conveyed the realities of receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.”
“We hope that this tale strikes a chord with the public and that we portray it as gently and truthfully as we can.”
