FACING death behind bars, Phil Mitchell had to go against his every instinct by taking Samantha Keeble’s deal.
EastEnders fans have since speculated that their feud could end with the tough man murdering the detective.
The thug played by Steve McFadden made an explosive return to Albert Square after he was believed to have been killed in prison.
But as it was revealed during Monday night’s instalment of the long-running BBC One soap, Phil is under DCI Samantha Keeble‘s (portrayed by Alison Newman) thumb.
Phil battled for months with the inspector, after his involvement in Vincent Hubbard’s death came to light, and initially refused her offer of freedom as a police informant.
This led him straight to prison but when Craig made a threat to his life, Phil had no other choice but to accept the deal.
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However, upon his return and amid a tense love triangle with Sharon Watts and Kat Slater, Phil admitted to his partner he suspects Samantha Keeble is up to something in the dark.
Phil lied to Kat by saying he will pretend to be a grass for Keeble for six months, just in time to figure out what she’s up to.
EastEnders fans are convinced of it – Phil’s ongoing feud with Keeble is slowly coming to an end but could definitely culminate in him murdering the police officer.
“I think this Phil/Keeble storyline is gonna bubble all the way to Christmas”, one fan commented on a Digital Spy forum, “I also think it’s gonna end with Keeble’s death.”
“This feels like the final chapter of their feud and I can’t wait to see what happens. I think Sam is going to be involved too.”
Another theorised: “Keeble’s up to something naughty! I don’t know who she’s working with.”
Could Samantha Keeble be Jonah Tyler’s accomplice?
Speaking of siblings, and more particularly Phil’s sister Sam, more viewers believe the storyline could actually lead to another Mitchell coming back to Walford.
“I reckon this storyline will eventually lead to the return of Grant Mitchell”, a third soap fan speculated.
“They have already dropped hints of his return with the phone calls and throwing his name into certain scenes.”
Everything you need to know about Eastenders
“I think it will be Sam who calls Grant pleading for his help after Phil throws her out on her ear.”
“Grant was always very protective over Sam in the early days. Sam will go crying to Grant for support and he will come back to try to sort the feud out.”
Another agreed: “I think his return will be a surprise this Summer or later in the year.”
“It definitely feels like we will see Grant returning”, another viewer chimed in.
“Phil is obviously heading for trouble by pretending to be a grass for Keeble. I wonder if she’s working with Jonah.”
What’s in store for Phil and Keeble?
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Could Grant really be coming back?
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
