EastEnders’ Nigel Bates is set to make a major mistake as his dementia symptoms continue to intensify. In episodes slated to air on

Wednesday, 31 December, the character will be staying with Honey and Billy, while Phil and Julie look at prospective care homes for him.

After it becomes apparent that Nigel thinks Honey is Julie, however, he begins flirting with her in front of a confused Billy.

 

 

Nigel, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in January 2025, has struggled with the condition in recent months, and while Julie and Phil have been by his side, Nigel’s Christmas episode will lead the pair to seek out additional support.

 

 

Airing on Tuesday, 23 December, the instalment will follow Nigel as his mind continues to mix up memories with events in the present. Visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, Nigel will find himself reunited with Pat and Barry Evans in The Vic.

 

 

Prior to their meeting, Nigel takes to the stage, attempting to make a speech as members of the local community, including Julie and Phil, sit down to watch a screening of his film. But, when Julie attempts to him and he spots a bruise on her face, Nigel quickly realises that it’s because of him.

 

 

“When Nigel realises he’s to blame for Julie’s injury, he flees,” says our insider. “Phil and Julie rush out to find him but argue while they’re at it. Without them knowing, Nigel overhears everything, so he demands that they leave him be and heads to The Vic.”

Confirmed to return, Pam St Clement and Shaun Williamson will be reprising their iconic roles, albeit briefly. Following an imaginary sing-along with Barry at the pub, plus a chat with Pat, Nigel is later found by Phil and Julie, who agree that it’s time to bring in help for Nigel’s care.

As a result of the episode, Phil and his sister, Sam, are also expected to have a candid conversation, with Sam telling her brother that she has breast cancer. After Sam heads to see Phil and Julie, who are rallying around Nigel, she manages to grab Phil for a heart-to-heart before enjoying a festive dinner, which Nigel is determined to make as happy as possible.

“I was both surprised and excited to be asked back to tread the streets of Walford once again, and to be involved in Nigel’s touching dementia storyline,” St Clement said. “It was lovely to be welcomed back by those with whom I had worked for so long. It was just like coming home.”