EastEnders’ Nigel Bates lying as big return takes a dark twist on Christmas Day

NIGEL Bates is hiding a big secret and lying to pal Phil Mitchell in tonight’s EastEnders.

The classic character – who is played by actor Paul Bradley in the BBC soap – reunited with friend Phil tonight as he found him in the Square on Christmas Day.

Phil invited him back to his where they caught up.

Nigel told him: “Me and Julie split up a while back. Tried to sell the house but couldn’t. She found someone else and wanted me out.”

“Couldn’t Clare take you in?” asked Phil.

But Nigel told him: “Nah. We lost contact ages ago.

“I’ve got to admit, I never thought I’d end up on my own, 66, and not a penny in the world.”

Phil asked him where he was living and Nigel claimed he was homeless and living in hostels when there was space.

So Phil told him he could stay with him, insisting: “I ain’t got no family. I’m on my own and that’s how I like it – no ties, no restrictions. I’m happy on my tod.

“Right you sit here and I’ll stick a pizza in the oven.”

But as Phil disappeared into the kitchen, it became clear that Nigel had been lying to him.

He received a text from wife Julie – and it was obvious they hadn’t split up.

The text Nigel read in secret said: “Please. Come home. I miss you. Love Julie x”

EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw has teased Nigel is hiding some big secrets.

He said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Paul Bradley back as Nigel Bates, a character much-loved by long-time EastEnders viewers. 

“There’s a lot of mystery about Nigel’s situation and why he’s here alone, which will be revealed in the coming weeks. 

“Phil has never needed support more than he does this Christmas, so we’re excited to reunite these two old friends.”

But what is he hiding?