Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is set to get a major blast from the past in EastEnders this Christmas as Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) returns to Walford.
Nigel, who was a firm-favourite with viewers of the BBC One soap, made his first appearance in 26 years on Christmas Eve as he spoke to Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) at the community soup kitchen.
A former friend of Phil and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), Nigel debuted all the way back in 1992, striking up a friendship with Dot Cotton (June Brown).
He is fondly remembered for his romance with Debbie Tyler (Nicola Duffett).
He left the Square in 1998 with partner Julie Hayne and adopted daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) – who later returned for a solo stint in 2008 -and he hasn’t been seen again since so his reappearance in Tuesday’s (December 24) edition of the BBC One serial will no doubt delight fans.
Yolande crossed paths with the former mainstay while at the community centre soup kitchen. When quizzed about what brought him to Walford, Nigel mentioned his fond memories.
And this is just the beginning, with the much-loved legend set to cross paths with old friend Phil this festive season.
‘It’s fantastic to welcome Paul Bradley back as Nigel Bates, a character much-loved by long-time EastEnders viewers,’ said EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw.
‘There is 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.’
Paul Bradley said of his return: ‘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 joins a number of former faces from various eras who returned to EastEnders over the past year ahead of its 40th anniversary in February.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
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