'Enders Phil 'to take on the world'

EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has revealed hints of what the future has in store for the soap's troubled character Phil Mitchell.

Last month, viewers saw Phil's mother Peggy (Barbara Windsor) leave Walford for good after deciding that her son needed to start standing on his own two feet - paving the way for a new direction for the character.

Since Peggy's departure, Phil has been trying to get his life back on track as he recovers from his recent addiction to crack cocaine.

Speaking to Inside Soap, Kirkwood teased: "Unfettered by his meddling mother, now we can see what Phil is really capable of. He'd been sober for ten years before now - the man still has an iron will.

"We'll be truthful to his drug rehabilitation, but I'm keen to see Phil take on the world - and win!"

The show's producer also confirmed that Phil's son Ben will be back on screens by the end of the year. Bosses announced that they had decided to recast the young character back in June.

Kirkwood said: "We've just cast the new Ben, and he'll be back near Christmas. He's a misfit, the runt of the litter. Ben's got a very strained relationship with his dad, so things aren't going to be easy.

"He's had an awful time at the young offenders' institution, and that will give us a really fascinating character to use over the next few years."

> 'Enders boss: 'Peggy left with dignity'