EASTENDERS reveal the real reason the character Nigel Bates has returned to Albert Square after nearly 30 years.
The EastEnders legend has made a shock return to Albert Square on Christmas eve – and he’s homeless.
Nigel was last seen in 1998 when he left Walford for a new life in Scotland with wife Julie, daughter Clare and stepson Josh.
Now he’s back, Nigel was seen looking homeless as he came into contact with Yolande Trueman at the community centre’s soup kitchen.
Asked about why he was in Walford, Nigel told Yolande: “Memories.”
He wished her a Merry Christmas and they toasted before he enjoyed his meal.
He then caught but with his old pal Phil Mitchell, who was experiencing a lonely Christmas.
But what really brings him back to the square?
Next week on the BBC soap, Nigel helps Kathy with her lunchtime rush and manages to bag himself a job.
Later, Billy quizzes Nigel on his motives behind his return to Walford, but it later becomes clear that Nigel may not be telling the full story.
Nigel confronts Phil over breakfast about his irrational Boxing Den offer and attempts to refuse the deal, but Phil doesn’t budge.
Nigel informs an unaware Sharon about the deal, and asks her to help make Phil back down on his decision.
Sharon accosts Phil at The Vic, as she starts to grow concerned by his behaviour.
Later, Sharon arranges a meet with Jay, Teddy and Billy to stage an intervention with Phil, but she’s shocked when her request isn’t openly received.
Nigel attempts to flee Walford but instead takes solace in the laundrette.
Yolande attempts to support Nigel before he reveals a truth and real reasons for being back.
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Coming up this year…
Ross Kemp – Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
Viewers are convinced Nigel has dementia, referencing an incident from a recent episode.
He got his close friend Phil Mitchell’s name wrong, instead calling him by his brother’s name, Grant.
And there was a another example of Nigel getting things muddled up, when he referred to nightclub Harry’s Barn as The Market Cellar.
However, it hasn’t been called that since 1999, when its name was changed to e20.
Posting on X, one fan said: “It was only a little thing in tonight’s ep… but where Nigel called Phil Grant… could we be seeing the beginnings of an early onset dementia storyline for Nigel?”
Another added: “I thought that too, maybe he’s just had a diagnosis and wanted to go back to his old home in a vain attempt to cement his memories from there.
“Wonder how it will play out with Phil’s storyline, especially given how devastating dementia can be for loved ones too.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and is available to stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
