Nigel Bates returns to EastEnders for Christmas after 26-year hiatus

Nigel Bates returns to EastEnders for Christmas after 26-year hiatus

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EastEnders followers obtained a Christmas deal with final evening (24 December) as Nigel Bates returned to the BBC cleaning soap for the primary time in 26 years.

Nigel, performed by Paul Bradley, appeared within the Christmas Eve episode at a neighborhood centre the place Angela Wynter’s Yolande Trueman was volunteering.

Bradley, 69, left the present again in April 1998, with Nigel and his adopted daughter Clare leaving Albert Sq. to start out a brand new life in Scotland along with his companion Julie Haye and her son Josh.

His key storylines on the present again then noticed him fall in love with and marry Nicola Duffett’s video store employee Debbie Tyler, who then died after being hit by a automotive. Nigel additionally struck up a friendship with June Brown’s Dot Cotton, who grew to become a maternal determine to him.

Chatting with the BBC forward of his return, Bradley mentioned: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be again. Regardless of it being such a very long time in the past, I nonetheless get recognised as Nigel on the street.”

In tonight’s Christmas Day episode, Nigel will reunite with Steve McFadden’s Phil Mitchell.

Nigel is returning with a long-term storyline, with govt producer Chris Clenshaw teasing: “There’s a variety of thriller about Nigel’s scenario and why he’s right here alone, which shall be revealed within the coming weeks. Phil has by no means wanted assist greater than he does this Christmas, so we’re excited to reunite these two outdated associates.”

Of returning to work with McFadden, Bradley mentioned: “I’m an enormous admirer of his work, and he units the bar actually excessive.”

Old pals Phil (Steve McFadden) and Nigel (Paul Bradley)
Previous buddies Phil (Steve McFadden) and Nigel (Paul Bradley) (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders followers have been sharing their delight at Nigel’s return on X, with one writing: “OMG Nigel Bates is again!!!!!”

One other added: “OMG Nigel Bates is right here for the lengthy haul. I’m so excited!”

A 3rd wrote: “Was pretty to see Nigel again yesterday in any case these years. Love his character. I’m thrilled to listen to he’s again for a correct stint round Phil’s loneliness. I believed it is likely to be one thing to do with that.”

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EastEnders airs tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One. Take a look at the remainder of the BBC’s Christmas schedule right here, and all of the reveals we predict are value watching (and avoiding) throughout the channels and streamers right here.


#Nigel #Bates #returns #EastEnders #Christmas #26year #hiatus


The Unbiased


#Nigel #Bates #returns #EastEnders #Christmas #26year #hiatus


Ellie Harrison , 2024-12-25 09:02:00

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