Probably a few have mentioned this already, but I am really enjoying Phil and Ian new relationship at the moment.

Ok they are never going to be "bestie's" but since Lucy died they have now got a mutual respect for one another, and their scenes together are good to watch.

IF the truth about Bobby comes out, and obviously Phil knowing about Kathy, I just hope it doesn't go back to how it was.

Those scenes were excellent! So much better than affairs and secret kids.

Couldn't agree more! Both great actors, and good to see a different side to both of them! Ian always seems to bring out the emotional side to Phil!

since Lucy died Phil has stepped up into the dad or step dad role that he should of done years ago.

I think they are writing Phil like a bit of a joke now and its only these scenes and the relationship with Ian that is the saving grace at the moment

Both characters are such important assets to the show, because they can be despicable one minute and have you feeling sorry for them the next. Steve and Adam are the best two actors on the show.

I have to agree with you OP i'm loving the relationship between Ian and Phil now they're not exactly friends but there's a mutual respect there. Their silly feud was boring and repetitive and it had got to the point where it wasn't even a rivalry anymore and was merely Phil bullying and humiliating Ian which made for uncomfortable viewing. Phil actually looking out for Ian in step-fatherly way had been a fantastic piece of character development for Phil. However I fear things will go back to the way they were once Ian learns that Phil kept quiet about Kathy being alive and Phil finds out that Bobby killed Lucy and Ian allowed him to think that Ben did it.

Steve M is very good at those scenes.

Phil, in particular, was great tonight. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that's the best acting I can recall ever seeing from Steve McFadden. I'm hoping for more.

However, as others above have said, I fear that we'll be back to the same-old-style feud between Phil and Ian once the truth (on both sides) comes out.

I hope that somehow they can continue the more mature relationship, regardless. But it'll take some good writing for that to happen.

Tonight's episode was fantastic. The scenes with Ian and Phil were brilliantly written and performed. I think showing this side of Phil is the way to really save this character. There's no need for him to continue with the king of the world routine - we've seen that, and it's becoming a joke to constantly have him come out on top against these younger, harder characters - he's from a different era so let his history and his legacy be - I'd rather they didn't show him getting 'destroyed' by some new hard man, id rather they completely move away from that side for Phil now and focus on this more emotional and paternal side to his character. It's much more believable - people do eventually grow up and I think we saw some hope of that tonight. I pray he doesn't revert to type when the Kathy bombshell drops.

BIB - I agree, but I do hope it doesn't happen as even though Phil is suppose to be a gangster type character, seeing a 50 something year old man bully another 50 year old man is a bit sad!

After tonight episode, I can see Ian having a different view compared to Jane and could see them growing apart or even Ian being the one to hand Bobby in.

I prefer that they are on friendly terms rather than Phil bullying Ian

When was the last time Ian saw his Mother?

Steve and Adam were amazing . Learnt so much about Phil tonight. Very emotional

Worth watching for a change .

november 2014

Ian used to visit Kathy in South Africa fairly regularly in the early 00's they wrote it into the script whenever Adam woodyatt was taking a short break. I vividly recall him taking the kids and going to South Africa in the summer of 2004 just after he gained custody of Bobby in order for Kathy to meet her new grandson. I don't believe he did go the following year and then Kathy 'died' in February 2006 so I suppose the last time he would have saw her was more than likely summer 2004.

Steve and Adam ALWAYS have brilliantly acted scenes together.

Phil doesn't mock Ian like he used to, but there is this strange yet interesting chemistry between the two. They've come a long way from the days as stepfather/stepson.

I agree loved it