15 Sep 2025
EastEnders’ Steve McFadden has said he has no plans to quit his role as the legendary Phil Mitchell in the BBC soap.
Speaking to the St Albans Times at the launch of this year’s Arena panto Aladdin, he said he was committed to the character he had played for 35 years.
Rumours of his departure began spreading on social media when he gave an emotional acceptance speech after receiving the Serial Drama Performance accolade at the National Television Awards.
Speaking to the St Albans Times’ Laura Bill, he said the tone of the speech had given the wrong impression.
“Because you’re reflective, it makes you sound like you’re leaving, but I’m not leaving anytime soon. It was genuine emotion and there’s nothing like your friends and colleagues being nice to you to soften you up.”
Read our full panto preview feature, including more from Steve McFadden, plus Bob Golding and other members of the cast, in this week’s issue of the St Albans Times.
