EastEnders aired its dramatic flashback episode tonight - which finally explained why DCI Keeble has a vendetta against the Mitchells.
The Detective Chief Inspector has been desperate for Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) to snitch on his cousin Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) and the flashback episode opened in the present day as DCI Keeble pleaded with Phil to do the right thing. As she explained to Phil that she wanted to check Billy off her list next, he didn't understand her reasoning on why she should go after him.
"He's family; he's a Mitchell. Why are you doing this to me?" Phil asked, as the screen faded to black and fans of the show were transported back to the late 70s in East London as Peggy Mitchell (Jaime Winstone) tried to keep her sons and daughter in check.
The flashback episode then detailed how Phil and his brother Grant Mitchell got caught up in the drama that led to the present day.
Their father Eric was keen to prove to them what being a Mitchell really was and soon they were caught up in one of his criminal endeavours, making sure they were fully involved in the world he was very much used to.
Phil and Grant headed with Billy and their dad as they took part in a robbery.
Billy ended up falling off the ladder as he tried to retrieve the stock from the top shelves, with Eric calling for them to leave him injured on the floor as the security guard found them.
Eric ordered Phil to shoot the guard, but he refused to do so and when they all left, Eric shot the guard instead. As a fight broke out between Eric and Phil over his decision to spare the guard, Peggy was caught in the crossfire.
In the present day, DCI Keeble and Phil discussed the prospect of him ratting out his brother Billy. As she warned Phil he'd be back inside if he doesn't inform on Billy, she explained how the robbery related to her family.
"He was involved in a robbery. A security guy was murdered. His name was Keeble too," she told him as the guard's true identity - as DCI Keeble's father was revealed. She then promised Phil: "Dish the dirt or face the consequences."
*EastEnders airs Mondays through Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One.
