This article contains spoilers for tonight’s (Thursday, February 5) EastEnders, which has not yet aired on TV but is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) gave us all quite a scare in EastEnders last night when he slipped under the water while taking a bath.

 

 

Viewers will know that Nigel returned to Albert Square in 2024 and revealed that he had been diagnosed with young-onset dementia.

Since then, his condition has deteriorated, and wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and best friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) have been at odds over his care.

In recent scenes, things have been tense between them, after Julie learnt that Phil had planned on taking Nigel to Portugal without her knowledge.

Julie eventually realised that forgiving Phil would be best for Nigel – unaware that he was sitting on another secret…

Nigel had been offered a place in a care home, and they had 24 hours to accept, but thanks to Phil’s secrecy, Julie had no idea.

Things were looking up for the family as Julie and Nigel celebrated their vow renewal, until Phil took Nigel back to No.55 and helped him into the bath.

However, things took a worrying turn when Phil got distracted by the arrival of Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) and Nigel fell asleep in the bath.

Is Nigel leaving EastEnders and does he die?
Last night’s episode ended with Nigel sinking beneath the water, leaving fans terrified that he might drown.

Thankfully, in tonight’s episode, Phil reaches him in time to get him to hospital, though the doctor warns that he very nearly died and will need to stay in under observation until they can be sure there is no fluid in his lungs.

Though he has survived this ordeal, there will come a time in the future when his story comes to an end. With his condition deteriorating, an exit is unfortunately on the horizon for Nigel and, given the nature of the storyline, it will be permanent.

It is currently unknown exactly how much longer Nigel will be around, but actor Paul’s return to the square was only ever a temporary one. What we do know is that Nigel will still be around well into 2026, as current Executive Producer Ben Wadey revealed.

‘The continuation of the Phil and Nigel storyline will continue through and give us heart and warmth and realism. ‘It’s gorgeous performances and those relationships see us through further into 2026.’

Nigel’s arrival in Walford in late 2024 came amid a tough time for Phil, who was battling depression and loneliness. However, it soon became clear that there was more to Nigel’s sudden appearance than he was letting on.

Though he claimed that he had been kicked out by wife Julie, he later confessed that he had left unannounced after receiving his diagnosis, as he didn’t want her to be left caring for him as his condition deteriorated.

Fortunately, they have since reunited, and though things haven’t always been rosy between Julie and Phil, they both clearly want what’s best for Nigel.

Nigel’s diagnosis has had a huge impact on Julie, who recently made the decision to sell their house to pay for Nigel’s care. It has also been tough for Phil, who has gone from friend to carer as Nigel’s condition has progressed.

It has been a difficult road for all involved, which was exactly what EastEnders bosses wanted to show when they took on the storyline.

‘Nigel’s story will explore the challenges faced by people diagnosed with young-onset dementia and their loved ones, which is why working with Dementia UK has been so vital,’ former Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said at the beginning of the story.

‘As Nigel’s story unfolds, viewers will learn more about the decisions he’s made and how he’s coping with such a difficult diagnosis.’

This article contains spoilers for tonight’s (Thursday, February 5) EastEnders, which has not yet aired on TV but is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) gave us all quite a scare in EastEnders last night when he slipped under the water while taking a bath.

Viewers will know that Nigel returned to Albert Square in 2024 and revealed that he had been diagnosed with young-onset dementia.

Since then, his condition has deteriorated, and wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and best friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) have been at odds over his care.

In recent scenes, things have been tense between them, after Julie learnt that Phil had planned on taking Nigel to Portugal without her knowledge.

Julie eventually realised that forgiving Phil would be best for Nigel – unaware that he was sitting on another secret…

Nigel had been offered a place in a care home, and they had 24 hours to accept, but thanks to Phil’s secrecy, Julie had no idea.

Things were looking up for the family as Julie and Nigel celebrated their vow renewal, until Phil took Nigel back to No.55 and helped him into the bath.

However, things took a worrying turn when Phil got distracted by the arrival of Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) and Nigel fell asleep in the bath.

Is Nigel leaving EastEnders and does he die?
Last night’s episode ended with Nigel sinking beneath the water, leaving fans terrified that he might drown.

Thankfully, in tonight’s episode, Phil reaches him in time to get him to hospital, though the doctor warns that he very nearly died and will need to stay in under observation until they can be sure there is no fluid in his lungs.

Though he has survived this ordeal, there will come a time in the future when his story comes to an end. With his condition deteriorating, an exit is unfortunately on the horizon for Nigel and, given the nature of the storyline, it will be permanent.

It is currently unknown exactly how much longer Nigel will be around, but actor Paul’s return to the square was only ever a temporary one. What we do know is that Nigel will still be around well into 2026, as current Executive Producer Ben Wadey revealed.

‘The continuation of the Phil and Nigel storyline will continue through and give us heart and warmth and realism. ‘It’s gorgeous performances and those relationships see us through further into 2026.’

Nigel’s arrival in Walford in late 2024 came amid a tough time for Phil, who was battling depression and loneliness. However, it soon became clear that there was more to Nigel’s sudden appearance than he was letting on.

Though he claimed that he had been kicked out by wife Julie, he later confessed that he had left unannounced after receiving his diagnosis, as he didn’t want her to be left caring for him as his condition deteriorated.

Fortunately, they have since reunited, and though things haven’t always been rosy between Julie and Phil, they both clearly want what’s best for Nigel.

Nigel’s diagnosis has had a huge impact on Julie, who recently made the decision to sell their house to pay for Nigel’s care. It has also been tough for Phil, who has gone from friend to carer as Nigel’s condition has progressed.

It has been a difficult road for all involved, which was exactly what EastEnders bosses wanted to show when they took on the storyline.

‘Nigel’s story will explore the challenges faced by people diagnosed with young-onset dementia and their loved ones, which is why working with Dementia UK has been so vital,’ former Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said at the beginning of the story.

‘As Nigel’s story unfolds, viewers will learn more about the decisions he’s made and how he’s coping with such a difficult diagnosis.’