EastEnders return for Nigel Bates

Paul Bradley has reprised his role as Nigel Bates in EastEnders.

Viewers caught a glimpse of Nigel in tonight’s episode (December 24th) as he arrived at the community centre where Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) was volunteering.

Speaking about reprising the role after 26 years, Paul Bradley said: 

“I’m thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street. Returning has been great as I’m so familiar with many of the faces at EastEnders, and they are a very friendly bunch. It’s fantastic to work with Steve McFadden again – I’m a huge admirer of his work, and he sets the bar really high. I’m having a really good time.”

Nigel was last seen back in April 1998, when he, along with his adopted daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), headed off to Scotland for a new beginning with his partner Julie Haye (Karen Henthorn) and her son Josh (Jon Lee).

The circumstances surrounding his solo return to Walford remain to be seen, but one thing is certain, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) will receive a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past this year as the two friends reconnect.

Speaking of Nigel’s return, EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said:

“It’s fantastic to welcome Paul Bradley back as Nigel Bates, a character much-loved by long-time EastEnders viewers. There’s a lot of mystery about Nigel’s situation and why he’s here alone, which will be revealed in the coming weeks. Phil has never needed support more than he does this Christmas, so we’re excited to reunite these two old friends.”

First seen in EastEnders in 1992 initially as a friend of the tough-talking Mitchell brothers. Following the death of his mum Nigel moved in with widower Dot Cotton (June Brown) as her lodger. It wasn’t long before he became involved with a ‘battered wife’ when he began an affair with Debbie (Nicola Duffett), bringing her daughter Clare along to get away from her abusive partner.

Nigel and Debbie tied the knot in 1994, but their happiness was short-lived when Debbie was tragically killed after being hit by a car, leaving Nigel heartbroken and fighting for custody of Clare.

He ran the local video store, which led to plenty of interactions and a few business hiccups, but romance was hard to come by until 1998 when Clare’s teacher, Julie Haye, took a liking to his colourful ties and shirts.

Nigel was last seen in Walford in 1998. Pictured with stepdaughter Clare played by Gemma Bissix.