EastEnders prepares for a heartbreaking farewell next week as Walford says goodbye to Nigel Bates. Meanwhile, Clare Bates returns to the Square under these ‘tragic’ circumstances. Even Grant Mitchell rushes back to support a grieving Phil. But will the Mitchell brothers find the strength to honour their best friend during his final moments? Keep scrolling to learn more.
Clare’s Emotional Homecoming
The BBC soap is set to air a poignant return for Clare Bates. The returnee will arrive in Walford under sad circumstances. Also, Gemma Bissix reprised her role as Nigel’s daughter. She will join the community to mourn the loss of a true Square legend, our Nigel Bates. Elsewhere, with her appearance, it will be the end of an era for the Bates family.
This happens after a dramatic race against time involving the iconic Mitchell brothers. We saw that Clare recently ‘patched’ things up with Nigel and Julie after years of being estranged. Now, the daughter is returning to pay her final respects at her father’s funeral.
Clare last appeared when her stepdad moved into a care home. And now she will likely reconnect with Phil Mitchell and Chelsea Fox during the sombre event. Also, Clare’s return will provide a sense of closure for the family. It’s especially after Nigel’s health took a final, devastating turn. In fact, for Bissix this stint happens after her famous run as a villain on Hollyoaks. However, this time the focus is purely on the sad news of a family loss.
A Final Farewell At The Bedside In EastEnders
The road to Nigel’s peaceful passing was fraught with tension. It was a bad case of pneumonia. Hence, this forced Grant Mitchell to speed back into town. His son Mark summoned him after he was tasked with the impossible job of helping Phil deal with the reality of Nigel’s death.
Initially, Phil refused to visit the care home. He was ‘unable’ to imagine life without the man who brought him back from the brink. Then when Phil went missing, to reminisce on a beach, Phil and Grant had a raw conversation. And finally, Grant’s intervention proved successful. He urged his brother to avoid a lifetime of regret by saying a proper goodbye.
The Mitchell brothers arrived on time at the care home to witness their dearest friend peacefully pass away. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.