EastEnders fans could be about to witness the beginning of the end for Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), but just when his exit appears to be sealed, a shock act of sabotage threatens to derail his plans completely.

In scenes airing next week, Phil is finally ready to leave Walford behind, with his bags all but packed for a fresh start in Portugal alongside Nigel.

After months of worrying about Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) rapidly deteriorating condition, Phil seems determined to slip away quietly, avoiding more drama. That is, until a blast from the past turns up and throws everything into chaos.

Enter Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple).

At first, Mark claims he’s back in Albert Square for all the right reasons, telling Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) that he’s there to support her through Joel Marshall’s (Max Murray) upcoming trial. Vicki is grateful for the familiar face at such a difficult time, believing she can rely on Mark when she needs him most. But it doesn’t take long for cracks to appear in his story.

Behind Vicki’s back, Mark seeks out Phil and quickly drops the supportive act. He admits the truth, his return has nothing to do with being there for Vicki. Instead, Mark wants Phil’s help, though he remains frustratingly vague about what exactly he needs. The revelation immediately raises alarm bells, especially for Phil, who wants no part in more trouble.

Phil shuts him down without hesitation, making it clear that he’s done. He tells Mark that he’s leaving Walford that very night and heading to Portugal with Nigel.

But Mark isn’t prepared to let Phil disappear.

Realising his window is closing fast, Mark makes a reckless move that could derail everything. When Julie arrives home earlier than expected, Mark spots his chance and takes it.

In a deliberate act of sabotage, he reveals Phil’s secret plan to leave for Portugal, exposing the exit Phil was hoping to keep under wraps from Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn), knowing she would try to stop him.

Julie is left stunned, Phil is furious, and the calm escape he’d carefully planned begins to unravel in seconds. As the truth comes out, Vicki, Phil and Sam all demand answers from Mark, who suddenly finds himself under intense pressure.

With his lies exposed, questions swirl about his real motives. Was he acting out of desperation, or was keeping Phil in Walford the plan all along?

With secrets exposed and loyalties in tatters, Phil’s exit may look sealed on paper, but thanks to Mark Jr’s intervention, sabotage is very much in play. Whether Phil manages to escape to Portugal or is dragged back into the Square’s endless drama remains to be seen.