EastEnders opens a hard week for Nigel Bates as his journey reaches a place no one wanted, but everyone knew was coming. The beloved character prepares to leave Walford and settle into a care home after months of decline. Keep scrolling to know more.
Nigel’s Condition Forces A Heartbreaking Decision In EastEnders
Nigel Bates has finally reached the moment that Phil Mitchell and Julie Bates feared. After he returned in 2024, Nigel shared his dementia diagnosis with Phil Mitchell and Grant Mitchell. However, even though they tried to keep him safe, things grew harder..
Later, there came a turning point when Nigel almost drowned in the bath. Luckily, Phil Mitchell saved him on time. But soon Julie and Phil realised that they could not protect him the way he needed. They realised he now requires care which beyond what they were giving. And that’s when they agreed that a care home was the safest option.
Also, next week Julie learns that the care home has confirmed Nigel’s place. He can now move in once he gets discharged from the hospital. For a moment, Julie feels relieved. However, soon Nigel starts asking to see his daughter, Clare. Soon Phil asks her to call Clare. However, she refuses at first, standing firm.
Finally, Lexi finds out and gives Julie a different way to see it. After having a conversation with the teenager, Julie finally calls Clare Bates. Later in the week, the estranged daughter arrives at Number 55 to meet her stepfather. Next, the two women go to the hospital. But Clare freezes when Nigel fails to recognise her. Later, Julie and Clare again. It happens after the returnee takes Nigel out of the hospital on her own terms.
Gemma Bissix Speaks About Reuniting With Co-Actors
Meanwhile, even Kat and Zoe stay back at the pub and prepare a farewell party for Nigel. They want him to feel loved before he moves to the care again. Later, even Yolande Trueman joins Clare, Julie and Phil when they take Nigel to the home. They wonder if they can adjust.
Elsewhere, Gemma speaks about coming back to the show. The actress was excited because she hadnt seen Paul Bradley for more than twenty years. And now working with him again felt like no time had passed. He is the same kind of person she knew before. Gemma was also close to Karen Henthorn. And both actors made her feel that she had stepped back into her younger self.
Moreover, it was great for her to see Steve McFadden again. Also, she has warm memories of Barbara Windsor, the actress who was Peggy Mitchell. Barbara had helped her get an agent when she left the show. And even today, she works with that agency. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.