EastEnders has revealed Julie Bates’ shocking secret from the past, which has left her husband Nigel questioning everything.

Julie and Phil Mitchell are still getting used to living together, as they strive to put on a united front to care for Nigel as his dementia worsens.

 

 

But Nigel has been growing suspicious of his wife, and in today’s episode, he told Phil that Julie always seems to be making secretive phone calls.

However, the pair were interrupted by Julie’s screams, as she made the tragic discovery that their chickens had been killed by foxes.

While Julie broke down in tears, Phil didn’t exactly take her grief seriously, and pointed out that Zoe Slater had been shot in the Square the previous evening.

 

 

As Julie tried to figure out what could have happened, it was established that Nigel had fed the chickens the night before and must have forgotten to close the cage.

Julie attempted to play down her sadness in light of this revelation, but Nigel noticed and raged at her for treating him like a child.

She explained that the chickens were a “symbol of their marriage” and had brought them closer – but Nigel was confused, having assumed that they’d always been close.

Julie reminded him of the rough patch they went through, but when it became clear that Nigel didn’t remember, she was forced to admit that she had an affair years back.

While her infidelity nearly spelled the end, Julie said that they had worked on their marriage, Nigel had forgiven her, and they’d been happy again.

But Nigel was forced to confront this betrayal all over again – and concluded from Julie’s secret calls that she is still cheating on him.

Julie explained this shifty behaviour and said she was in touch with the local headteacher about a position at the school.

But this wasn’t enough to convince Nigel, who said he couldn’t be around Julie. He told Phil to pack a bag, as he wanted to go on a trip to the countryside with him.

Will Nigel’s adventure with Phil make him reflect on his relationship with Julie?