Eastenders' Phil Mitchell will become addicted to crack cocaine in a controversial new storyline. Walford's resident hardman - played by Steve McFadden - will fall into deep depression before becoming hooked on the lethal drug, according to reports in The Mirror. In shocking scenes to be aired this summer, Phil - who's already battling alcoholism - becomes a 'crackhead' as he struggles to come to terms with the prospect of losing his son Ben and daughter Louise, by his ex Lisa Fowler. A BBC spokeswoman said: "EastEnders has a history of tackling social issues. We are working closely with drug and alcohol charities, including Addaction and DrugScope to make sure that we sensitively reflect this difficult issue." An EastEnders insider told the Mirror: "Bosses thought long and hard about the storyline. It will be shocking, powerful and dramatic. "At no point will viewers see Phil take drugs to ensure the episodes are suitable for the audience." DrugScope chief executive Martin Barnes said: "If EastEnders sensitively reflect the impact that drug use has on Phil, it could help." Click here to watch whatsontv.co.uk’s weekly soaps video preview, the Soap Scoop
