After quitting her job as a policewoman, Kate sets up a nail salon called "SophistiKate's". This escalates her romance with Phil, up to the point where he later proposes to Kate and she accepts. On their wedding day, however, she is troubled by the presence of her alcoholic father: Geoff (Maurice Roëves) - specifically when he openly dislikes Phil until the pair make up for Kate's sake. Another unwelcome presence is Lisa, who requests access to her daughter, Louise (Rachel Cox), and they come to an agreement. However, Lisa is unhappy that Louise lives with Phil and plans to reclaim their daughter with the help from his archenemy and Dennis' father: Den Watts (Leslie Grantham). After coaxing Phil into missing his date with Kate so he can partake in an armed robbery with him, Den sets Phil up for the crime and flees with all the money - which results in Phil getting arrested and jailed. As Kate learns about the situation, Den helps Lisa reclaim residency and she later departs Walford with Louise. When Kate discovers what Phil had done, she becomes disgusted and ends her marriage to Phil. On Christmas Day 2003, Kate is surprised when Phil escapes prison and confronts her. They partially make amends before he flees the square.