EastEnders star Paul Bradley discussed the emotional final scenes for Nigel Bates before the character passes away this week. Nigel’s journey ends after a 16-month battle with young-onset ‘dementia and pneumonia.’ Elsewhere, the beloved Phil Mitchell races against time to reach the care home for a final goodbye. Meanwhile. will this beautiful ending provide the closure fans need? Keep scrolling to learn more.
Paul Bradley Opens Up About His Beautiful Farewell In EastEnders
The legendary star Paul Bradley shared his thoughts regarding Nigel Bates’ devastating exit from the Square. After reuniting with Phil Mitchell two years ago, the soap explored Nigel’s battle with young-onset dementia. And this concluded with his death in yesterday’s episode. The hospital staff recommended end-of-life care after a pneumonia diagnosis.
Hence, it leads to a tense race against time. The returnee Grant Mitchell tries to get Phil to the bedside for one final conversation before Nigel passes away. Now, Paul Bradley says that final scenes will be a fitting way to conclude the long storyline. In fact, the actor also teased that the episode is “very moving.”
Paul says, “The story has found a way to reconcile a lot of the loose ends in the various relationships Nigel has, and end on a hopeful and positive note.” Later, Paul also praised the great piece of writing stating that the soap deals with difficult subjects and presents them responsibly. Also, for the final broadcast, Bradley says, “I’ll be as the viewers are, watching and being moved.”
The Long Goodbye
For Paul taking on such a heavy narrative was a significant task. Paul explains that, “It has been great playing the character but it’s almost been like playing two or three characters.” It’s because Nigel changed so much during the sixteen-month journey. The actor states that, “By the end, he is a very different person from the character he was when he initially returned.”
Also, the depiction aims to reflect the reality of dementia. Families and friends of people living with dementia are unable to come to terms with it. In fact, they call it the long goodbye. After Nigel’s death, a heartbroken but determined Phil offered support to a devastated Julie.
He gripped the stone Nigel had returned to him, making a silent vow to honour his friend’s legacy. Meanwhile, will you miss the beloved Nigel Bates? Let us know in the comments section. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.