EXCLUSIVE: Steve McFadden – who plays Phil Mitchell in the soap – has admitted he struggles to enjoy playing the hardman on the square because his storylines can be so tough
Eastenders legend Steve McFadden doesn’t get an easy ride from bosses. The actor, who plays Phil Mitchell, keeps getting miserable storylines year in, year out. It means working on the BBC soap is pretty gruelling for him.
In his most honest interview ever, Steve today admits he struggles to enjoy it a lot of the time. He said: “Working on EastEnders is hard work. The past 35 years have been tough. But the past year has been particularly hard.
“It’s not a walk in the park. It’s really hard graft. A lot of it is quite dark. It takes a lot out of you. When I do panto, that’s fun. But EastEnders isn’t.”
Over the past year Steve has been tasked with doing his darkest storyline yet. Troubled Phil started suffering from depression that was so severe he had psychotic episodes. Then in harrowing scenes, he even attempted to take his own life.
Steve was pushed to his limits while filming some of it.
He said: “It’s been tough. But that’s what the producers and directors and writers want. They want us to graft and go to the edge. They got the most they could out of me.”
Steve’s performance has been praised by viewers. Many are pleased to see such important issues being explored on screen.
That has made all the tough filming days worth it for Steve.
He said: “It’s very gratifying to hear from viewers. It validates what we do. The storyline has touched people and it’s great to be able to reach out to people that don’t have a voice. They can feel connected to the show.”
There is more misery to come for Steve in the future. Bosses aren’t planning to give him a break any time soon.
He said: “There will be more sadness for Phil. That’s what is coming up. Christmas might not be so good.”
Steve credits co-star Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat Slater, for helping him cope with the tough days on set.
He said: “If it wasn’t for people like Jessie, I wouldn’t be standing here today. I’m lucky. I still feel lucky to be on the show. I love it.”
Earlier this month Steve topped a public vote to win the gong for Serial Drama Performance at the National Television Awards.
It was just the sort of boost he needed.
He said: “My mate told me, ‘I hope you win the award because it’ll show them you’ve finally got the hang of it after 35 years’.
“I’m very happy. I’m absolutely over the moon.”
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