WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD: An EastEnders icon has returned to the BBC soap after 26 years away from the show and it looks like he’s fallen on hard times away from Walford
EastEnders legend Nigel Bates has returned to Albert Square 26 years after leaving the BBC soap. Nigel, played by Paul Bradley, left the soap back in 1992 with the door being left open for a potential return.
In the Christmas Eve episode of EastEnders, which is now available on BBC iPlayer, Nigel is back in Walford and has seemingly fallen on hard times. Nigel bumps into Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter), at the community centre’s soup kitchen where he’s looking for a hot meal. When Yolande asks Nigel ‘what brings him to Walford’, Nigel simply responds with “memories”. He wishes her a merry Christmas and they toast before he enjoys his dinner.
Nigel was last seen in Walford back in 1998 when he left for a new life in Scotland with wife Julie, daughter Clare and stepson Josh. It was thought he was living a dream life with his family, however his appearance at the soup kitchen suggests he has run into difficulties.
It was believed that Paul would be returning to the show for the 40th anniversary celebrations in February. But it comes as a shock to fans that he’s back so soon.
On social media, one fan wrote: “OMG Nigel Bates is back.. Brilliant” another added: “Look who it is surprise show up tonight NIGEL BATES recognised the face anywhere despite his bushy beard lol so nice to see him back on EastEnders, i wonder for how long he’s staying. Xx”.
Paul first joined the soap in 1992 where his character Nigel went to school with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), and his brother Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp). After the death of his mother, Nigel ended up lodging with Dot Cotton (June Brown) which caused tension between Nigel and Nasty Nick (John Altman).
Nigel had several romances including Debbie Tyler (Nicola Duffett). Nigel and Debbie eventually married but Debbie was tragically killed off in a hit and run accident. Nigel then legally adopted Debbie’s daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix). Nigel’s last romance on the show was with Julie Haye (Karen Henthorn) with whom he left Walford for a new life in Scotland.
Paul meanwhile, bagged himself a role on BBC medical drama Holby City, where he played Elliot Hope for 17 years until the show came to an end in 2022. He’s also made appearances on Beyond Paradise, Granchester and My Family.