BBC EastEnders legend Nigel Bates returns after 26 years

Paul Bradley who plays the famous character said he is “honoured” to be back after 26 years.

In Tuesday’s programme (December 24), Nigel was seen at the community centre where Yolande Trueman, played by Angela Wynter, was volunteering.

When did Nigel Bates leave EastEnders?

Me, calculating in my head how much I’ve spent this Xmas and trying not to cry. #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/yrbUujIJfP

— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) December 24, 2024

He left the BBC soap in April 1998 when he and his adopted daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) left Walford to start a new life in Scotland with his partner Julie Haye (Karen Henthorn) and her son Josh Saunders (Jon Lee).

The BBC said Nigel will be reunited with his childhood best friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) on Christmas Day (December 25).

Bradley, 69, shared: “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.

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“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.”

During Paul’s first run in the BBC show, his character’s biggest storylines saw him fall in love with his video shop employee Debbie Tyler (Nicola Duffett) before she was killed in a hit-and-run accident, and strike up a friendship with Dot Cotton, who saw him as the son she never had.

At school, Nigel was best friends with Phil and his brother Grant (Ross Kemp).

Were you shocked to see Nigel Bates return tonight? (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw commented: “It’s fantastic to welcome Paul Bradley back as Nigel Bates, a character much loved by long-time EastEnders viewers.

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“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.”

EastEnders continues on Christmas Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7.30pm.