People couldn’t shower enough praise on actor Steve McFadden for his performance in last night’s EastEnders, as cockney hard-man Phil Mitchell was torn apart by mum Peggy’s death.
The famous Walford landlady, played by Dame Barbara Windsor, took her own life after she was given a terminal cancer diagnosis.
A heartbroken Phil returned home to discover Peggy’s body, and much of the episode centred around the sad news filtering through the rest of Albert Square.
It was the final scene, however, that really had viewers teary-eyed, as Phil sat on a bench to read the final letter Peggy had written to him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eydi3BZAwyg
It read: “My darling Phil, I’m writing your letter last because it’s the hardest.
“You’re probably angry with me, try not to stay angry.
“This isn’t what you wanted, but one day, I hope you’ll accept my decision.
“I only have one regret, I should never have asked you to help me.
“It was selfish, I was scared, I was worried about being alone.
“But I’m not now, and I’m not alone, and neither are you.
“Phil, you’re surrounded by people who love you.
“Just try to love yourself as much as they do – as I did.
“‘Cos, I always loved you. From the moment I first held you in my arms, my gorgeous boy – my first, best boy.”
That last line might have been a bit of a slap in the face to Phil’s brother Grant, but either way fans were adamant that McFadden’s emotional performance was award-worthy.
Steve McFadden is THE best actor on our screens today. His performance's over the last few months have been BAFTA worthy #EELastOrders
— JAY (@_JayAtkinson) May 19, 2016
Take a bow Steve McFadden. That last scene was an acting masterclass #heartbreaking @bbceastenders
— Linda S (@lindastudd) May 19, 2016
Masterclass in acting by Steve McFadden aka Phil Mitchell he 100% deserves a #bafta #EastEnders
— Lucy (@LucyLucyHH) May 20, 2016
Fully choked up watching Eastenders. Steve Mcfadden is one of the best 👌 #EELastOrders
— -Ad. (@AdamKeith93) May 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/miw3663/status/733372721166471168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Steve McFadden needs to win an award for his performance in #Eastenders tonight, and all through the week! Absolutely outstanding
— Emily Fleetham (@emilyfleetham) May 19, 2016
Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) is by far the most underrated soap actor ever!
— Kieran Stutes (@Stutesyyy) May 19, 2016
Steve McFadden is such an underrated actor. He's got such an amazing range and makes the character of Phil Mitchell iconic. #Eastenders
— Ben L Maden (@blmaden) May 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/Ankaman616/status/733580457455976448
