EastEnders confirms shock new love interest for Kat Mitchell after Phil split

EastEnders has confirmed a new romance for Kat Mitchell in the wake of her split from Phil.

Kat and Phil’s marriage will come crashing down in upcoming scenes, when she learns of his infidelity in the lead-up to their wedding last year.

As Kat tries to move on with her life, she will find unexpected support from Nish Panesar – who is also dealing with the breakdown of his own marriage at the same time.

Suki is suspicious of Nish when he offers to rent a flat to Kat – rent-free to begin with – and Priya teases that he must fancy Kat.

Unaware of Kat’s new plans, Phil confidently tells George he’s giving her time to cool down before trying to win her back but tempers flare when Kat arrives at The Vic.

When Kat declines Phil’s offer to pay for her drink, Nish steps in to ask him to leave her alone.

Concerned, Phil warns Nish not to mess with Kat but some advice from Priya prompts Nish to do the exact opposite.

Priya urges Nish to get on with his life, as Suki is never coming back, so he calls Kat and asks her on a date. Kat initially declines, explaining that it’s too soon.

As Kat contemplates her decision, Stacey grows concerned about the time Kat is spending with Nish and is determined to stop it.

She blurts out the truth about what happened with Eve, and a horrified Kat marches over to confront Nish to demand answers.

Nish explains his version of events and Kat softens, eventually agreeing to a date.

At Walford East, Kat and Nish are having fun until Phil walks in. Jealous, Phil’s cruel jibes hurt Kat and she rushes out, with Nish following her.

Explaining Nish’s sudden interest in Kat, Navin Chowdhry, who plays him, said: “You’ve got two very different and strong characters, that while poles apart, have something in common and uniting in an unlikely way, because at their core they have suffered huge heartache which bonds them. But with Nish of course, you know that nothing is ever straightforward.

“I think they are both hurting and through the pain they’re experiencing, find a great comfort in each other. In situations like this, people grow close very quickly, and you have these two characters who against all odds find themselves in each other’s company and that is healing for them at first.

“He needs to find a way to put himself back on top. Nish is the very definition of a wounded animal and he has to prove to himself and others who he is again.”