EastEnders viewers are already buzzing about Barry Evans and Pat Butcher returning for Nigel Bates’ emotional episode, and now Debbie Bates’ name has entered the conversation too. Shaun Williamson hinted that Nicola Duffett was also involved while discussing the filming of the scenes. Keep scrolling to know more.
Nigel’s Dementia Storyline Sets Up Three Big Returns
Shaun confirmed that he and Pam St Clement were formally invited to come back as Barry Evans and Pat Butcher. It is for a single episode, which is a world of its own revolving around Nigel Bates. In the storyline, Nigel’s dementia symptoms will blur his present with the past. Meanwhile, in reality, the entire Queen Vic is empty. However, Nigel will imagine it filled with old friends
According to Williamson, the episode will feature a small circle of characters from Nigel’s earlier years. However, the BBC hasnt confirmed the same publicly. Elsewhere, Williamson told a source that the filming involved Nigel, Pat and Debbie. Nicola Duffett was the actress who played the character of Debbie Bates from 1993 to 1995. Moreover, it may be that we see her with Nigel’s memories, but nothing is confirmed. It will be from the time she was a part of his life.
Shaun also said that working with St Clement and Nicola was a comforting experience. However, even though the characters aren’t alive in the show’s timeline, Nigel imagines them all present in his memories. Elsewhere, when the soap asked Shaun for a comeback, he was surprised. However, this idea actually made sense.
Shaun Opens Up About His Personal Connection To The Story In EastEnders
Williamson also spoke about why he agreed to take part in the episode. For him, this storyline was personal. The reason was that his mom passed away after battling dementia. He also remembered that his mother’s last years were full of suffering. And now that he is returning to a dementia-based episode brought back all those memories.
According to him, the episode should contribute to the awareness of the increasing number of dementia cases. He mentioned that the numbers will be much bigger in the next 10 or 20 years, and he does not feel comfortable with that.
He said that the main point of his coming to this show was not only to talk about the good times with Barry Evans but also to become a part of the narrative. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.