EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell finally putting those fists to good use (Twitter/@mitchellsbowden)
A punch up in the Queen Vic is standard fare for BBC’s EastEnders, especially when Phil Mitchell’s involved – but October 1’s episode was especially satisfying for viewers.
After a long struggle to accept his son’s sexuality, fans were thrilled to see Phil Mitchell finally stick up for Ben when Callum’s dad, Jonno, launched a torrent of homophobic abuse against him.
The dramatic scene unfolded when Jonno demanded to know why Callum’s marriage to Witney didn’t go ahead.
Callum bravely came out as gay to his father, sealing the deal by planting a kiss on Ben. Seeing this, Jonno immediately lashed out at Ben, shouting: “It’s him that’s turned you into one of them! A disgusting muck-loving f****t.”
He got no further before Phil cut his rant short with a famous Mitchell right hook to the face.
Phil Mitchell said “gay rights” #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/qBv8K7k6A1
— Joe Balfour (@BalfourJ) October 1, 2019
It was a refreshing change for the burly EastEnder as he had previously refused to support Ben’s sexuality, even adopting Jay as a surrogate son in his place.
But it seems he’s finally turned a corner as he wasn’t prepared to let Jonno’s homophobic insults stand – and EastEnders fans took to Twitter share their delight.
Phil Mitchell being the people’s hero : a concept
— 🎃Jess loves ethan★ (@rosegoldbehzz) October 1, 2019
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever stanned Phil Mitchell so hard #Ballum #EastEnders https://t.co/PgkBVixOj5
— Laura Davidson (@lovelylaurajd) October 1, 2019
I have never been more proud of a fictional character in such a realistic situation❤️
But also; watching Phil Mitchell punch that homophone in the face was GOLD! #Mitchelled #Eastenders @bbceastenders
— Nikita Annice BA (@nikitaannicexo) October 1, 2019
Lesson of the night: dont be a homophobe or phil mitchell will come and punch ur lights out
— wot about ben (@ben_bitchell) October 1, 2019
no cops at pride just phil mitchell
— cian 🎃 (@kaminoans) October 1, 2019
In nearly 30 years on the show, slugging Jonno might have been Phil Mitchell’s finest hour. #EastEnders #Ballum
— Matt Cherry (@matt19020) October 1, 2019
Phil Mitchell didnt say a word in tonights Eastenders. But he ended up knocking out a homophobe who called his son a “faggot.” This should be his role. Albert Square’s version of 911. If a storyline is shite, Edgar Winter Group’s Frankenstein plays on the Queen Vic’s jukebox.
— Crudely Drawn Taz, brutha (@ian_stewart7) October 1, 2019
I haven’t been an #Eastenders watcher for years but I always seem to land on the channel when Phil Mitchell (greatest love of my life) is punching some yob in the face. New gay icon. pic.twitter.com/OPhZjXngms
— Leah Gasson (@oyster_eyes) October 1, 2019
By the end of the night #PhilMitchell was trending on Twitter. Happy endings are notoriously rare on the BBC soap, but we’re hoping we’ll see more like this one in future!