Soaps

Phil, Shirley 'to wed same day as Royals'

Published Saturday, Jan 29 2011, 11:58 GMT | By Colin Daniels

Glenda arrives at the club in a businesslike mood to meet Phil and Shirley.

EastEnders bosses have reportedly planned Phil Mitchell and Shirley Carter's marriage to coincide with the royal wedding.

The pair, played by Steve McFadden and Linda Henry respectively, will tie the knot on April 29 - the same day that Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry at Westminster Abbey.

A source told The Mirror: "The royal wedding is the biggest event of this year and, for soap fans, Phil Mitchell is pretty close to royalty having been a favourite since he arrived in 1990. The show's bosses thought a wedding storyline would be perfect to coincide with William and Kate."

Phil is due to propose to Shirley on Monday after being rushed to hospital following a heart attack.

However, the weeks leading up to the ceremony will apparently be "riddled with drama" as Glenda Mitchell (Glynis Barber) threatens to reveal her affair with Phil.