EastEnders is poised to broadcast a moving episode next week, commemorating 80 years since V. E. Day.
The folk of Walford will join together in a touching tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the war.
The special show will include evocative references to wartime Britain with archival clips and tunes tied to World War II and the jubilant celebrations that erupted throughout London on May 8, 1945.
Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley, grapples with his worsening dementia symptoms, thinking it’s 1995 and anticipates a 50th-anniversary party for V. E Day at The Vic, reports Plymouth Live.
Keen to celebrate the milestone, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Jean Slater (Gillian Taylor) persuade Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) to align the grand relaunch of The Vic with the 80th anniversary of V. E. Day, creating a moment of unity for Walford’s residents to honour and reflect on those lost during the war.
Reflecting on the importance of the episode, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw remarked: “Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history, we wanted to honour and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day.”
Earlier in the year, Nigel confided in his pal Yolande Trueman about his dementia diagnosis.
For this particular plotline, EastEnders has been consulting with specialists and bodies such as Dementia UK, aiming to sensitively tackle the theme of early-onset dementia.
In the forthcoming episodes, Nigel will open up more about his diagnosis and how his dementia is affecting his life, including his decision to make a comeback to Walford.
Nigel has intentionally kept his dementia diagnosis under wraps from Phil and others in Walford but has chosen to confide in Yolande after she expressed worries about his health.
The diagnosis of young-onset dementia is given to those experiencing dementia symptoms at age 65 or younger.
Fans will know the Queen Vic has been closed since the explosion which claimed the life of Martin Fowler in February this year.