Thief steals EastEnders scripts

Phil Mitchell : the plot thickens

A computer containing future plotlines of EastEnders has been burgled.

But the secret of who shot Phil Mitchell is safe, a BBC spokeswoman has said.

The computer, stolen in Clapham from an EastEnders scriptwriter, contained future plotlines for the BBC soap series.

There has been speculation that a dedicated hacker could find important plot secrets - possibly even working out who shot Phil.

Lisa is the favourite with the bookies to have shot Phil

But the spokeswoman denied this would be the case.

"The scriptwriter is not specifically involved with the Phil Mitchell plotline - all the scripts for that are safely under lock and key," she said.

"We have taken advice from the police and private security firms to make sure our scriptwriters do not become victims of a crime like this again."

Different plotlines

The BBC is taking great pains to keep the identity of Phil's assailant a secret, after more than 17 million viewers watched the shooting.

Several different plotlines have already been shot to ensure that the final version is not leaked.

The cast are only receiving their own scripts and are not being told any other characters' storylines.

"Not even Phil knows who shot him," one EastEnders source was quoted as saying.

Dan Sullivan: another key suspect

Bookmaker William Hill said about £50,000 in bets had already been placed on the identity of the gunman or woman.

The current favourite is Phil's ex-girlfriend Lisa Shaw at 5/4, followed by Phil's former partner at the Vic pub, Dan Sullivan.

Others in the frame are Steve Owen (4/1), Mark Fowler (7/1), Ian Beale (10/1) and Mel Healey at 12/1.