Keith Allen to guest star in EastEnders

Keith Allen is making a guest appearance on EastEnders.

The actor is to play the role of Gaz in a special episode focusing on Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) mental health recovery.

Set across four weeks, the episode will follow Phil as he starts his treatment in a mental health unit.

At first, Phil is hesitant to engage in therapy and group sessions, but he eventually forms a friendship with fellow patient Gaz, as they connect over similar life experiences.

Allen is known for a variety of roles, with highlights including Trainspotting (1996), The Others (2001) and more recently, The Buckingham Murders (2023).

Keith Allen said:

“I’ve written a number one hit single, I’ve presented Top of the Pops, I’ve played the lead in the West End and I was at Craven Cottage when we beat Juventus 4-1…Could it get better than that? Well, yes, I’ve just guested in an episode of EastEnders…What a joy! And what an honour to be a part of Steve McFadden’s incredibly moving story line. I may be a resting actor but I now rest in peace.”

During last month’s 40th anniversary of EastEnders, viewers witnessed Phil in a dark moment, attempting to take his own life. With the encouragement of friends Nigel Bates and Linda Carter, he recognised the need for help and was admitted to a mental health unit.

The BBC One soap has worked closely with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind to ensure Phil’s story is portrayed as accurately and as sensitively as possible.

Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders Executive Producer said:

“I’m delighted to welcome the incredibly talented Keith Allen to the cast of EastEnders as he takes on the guest role of Gaz in a special episode focusing on Phil’s mental health. As Phil struggles to begin treatment, we explore how his relationship with fellow patient Gaz, helps Phil to take the first step in his road to recovery. Keith and Steve’s performances are both phenomenal, and thoughtfully and sensitively portray the complex realities of mental health recovery and the impact of hypermasculinity.”