EastEnders‘ Nigel Bates is set to make an emotional confession as the consequences of his shocking car crash continue to weigh on his mind. In a bid to do the right thing, Nigel is forced to confront the reality of his worsening dementia, leaving his wife Julie heartbroken.

This week’s episodes saw a frustrated Nigel attempt to reclaim his independence by taking his recently sold car on a joyride. While on the road, Nigel became overwhelmed and caused a traffic jam as he struggled to restart the engine.

Things escalated when a worried Julie tried to call her husband, following his sudden disappearance. Distracted Nigel accidentally drove the car into newcomer Jasmine Fisher, with Gina Knight also injured in the crash.

Julie tried to cover up Nigel’s involvement by telling him she was the one driving, however he later recalled the true events and handed himself into the police. Though Julie feared for Nigel’s future, she ultimately supported his decision to own up to his mistake.

In next week’s episodes, the couple share a touching heart-to-heart as they discuss the possible outcome of Nigel’s recent confession. Julie is left panicking when Nigel goes missing once again – but he later returns home safely, much to her relief.

Unfortunately, Nigel’s time away gives him an opportunity to think about the near future, including their upcoming trip to India.

Though Nigel sold his car in order to pay for the dream holiday, the crash highlighted his deteriorating condition and he tells a devastated Julie that they’ll have to cancel the trip. Will she be able to change his mind?

“With Nigel having confessed to causing the car crash this week, things aren’t looking too good and Julie is increasingly concerned about her husband,” our insider says.

“There’s another frightening incident, after which Nigel accepts that his dementia is too advanced for him to go on their once in a lifetime trip. It’s a really heartbreaking moment.”