EastEnders icons Grant and Phil Mitchell face a heartbreaking ordeal. The legendary Nigel Bates enters his final days. And Phil struggles to accept the reality of losing his closest friend. Hence, Grant returns to bridge the gap and force Phil to confront his grief. But will Nigel’s peaceful passing allow Phil to heal or trigger the worst? Keep scrolling to learn more.
EastEnders: Grant Mitchell’s Explosive Return
Walford prepares for a heartbreaking farewell next week. Our beloved Nigel Bates reached the end of his battle with pneumonia. Elsewhere, the Square unties to support Julie. We saw that Mark Fowler took a massive gamble by calling his estranged father behind the family’s back.
Even Sam was sceptical that anyone could fix the fractured Mitchell siblings. However, Grant comes speeding into the Square to answer the call. But the reunion is far from happy. It’s because the returnee is horrified to see Nigel’s deterioration. Hence, he is deeply hurt that Phil kept him in the dark.
Later, the distance between the siblings is laid bare. It happens when Grant realises that he was completely unaware of Sam’s recent cancer treatment. Later, Phil “reverts to type” and aggressively pushes his brother away. Now, the family is worried that Phil’s pride will cost him his final chance to see his closest friend. Elsewhere, Julie makes a decision to stop Nigel’s treatment and focus on his comfort. But Phil’s guilt sends him into another world.
Later, after clashing with Grant, Phil goes missing, which causes a desperate search. Knowing his brother better than anyone, Grant finds him at a special beach from their childhood. It’s the same place Nigel loved. In the emotional showdown, the brothers finally bare their souls.
Nigel Passes Away And Phil’s Mental Health Is At A Breaking Point
Later Julie warns on the phone that Nigel doesn’t have much longer. That’s when Grant pleads with his brother to face the reality. Finally, Phil agrees to return to the care home. He arrives just in time to hold Nigel’s hand as he ‘slips away’ peacefully.
After the funeral, the community celebrate Nigel’s life. However, the kindness shown by his neighbours makes Phil feel worse. When Grant sees his brother’s fragile state, he is concerned about Phil’s mental health. With Nigel gone, everybody fears that the loss will trigger a return to old behaviour.
With Grant back and Nigel gone, will Phil finally accept the help his family is offering? Or will he push Grant away for good? For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.