EastEnders viewers are convinced that Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and newcomer Gemma Hawkins are destined to become a couple, with many praising the potential pairing as a 'genius' move by BBC soap bosses.
Phil has been single recently after past romances with Sharon Watts and Kat Moon, among others. But following recent scenes between Phil and Gemma, who is currently married to Ned, fans believe the soap is setting up a new relationship. Many suspect villainous Ned will eventually leave the show, clearing the way for Gemma to move on with Phil.
Fans spot 'chemistry' between Phil and Gemma
The pair have shared several scenes together, and viewers have taken to social media to express their support. One viewer said: "Just putting it out there that I would not be opposed to these two becoming an item in the near future."
The topic was widely backed by other fans of the BBC soap. "I thought the same when I watched it this morning! I think they’d be so good together!" said one fan. Another wrote: "I saw a little something and thought the same."
A further post read: "Even though she is married to Ned, I would love to see these two together. To me there is a connection and I like her as Gemma."
Theories on Ned's exit and a potential romance
One theory suggested: "Phil and Gemma are probably gonna get together after Ned’s inevitable exit, I would much prefer this to him and Sharon reuniting as they should just be friends." A fan added: "Feel like they are deffo setting up Gemma & Phil."
Another fan commented: "I definitely ship Phil & Gemma together in the future because he’s actually worked on his toxic masculinity and mental health and become a great person versus Ned who fakes being a great person and mental health advocate when he’s far from all of that! He’s a snake."
The speculation continued as one fan said: "Gemma and Phil are gonna sleep together aren't they," while another added: "I have a horrible feeling they going to force Gemma and Phil." This was backed by a comment that read: "Gemma and Phil one night stand pending."
Fans predict a 'genius' storyline
A viewer then said: "Gemma and Phil is on its way, they've already established Ned as a baddie, and established a connection with Gemma and Phil on her first episode." A fan agreed: "Immediate chemistry in my view. Class act meet class act."
One final post read: "It would actually be quiet genius - Ned with all the bluster and outward appearance of being all therapy speak and stability, vs Phil, the real deal who we all witnessed working through his toxic masculinity and mental health crisis. Plus, they're really cute together."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
