EastEnders fans were left in tears after tonight’s episode as Nigel Bates and Phil Mitchell were seen having a heart to heart about Nigel’s future with dementia
EastEnders fans were left in tears during tonight’s episode as Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) were seen heartbreakingly discussing Nigel’s future as his dementia advances.
Last night, Phil learned of Nigel’s plans to end his life if he couldn’t remember the answers to his cognitive test, which he had filmed on his phone when he was first diagnosed with dementia. Later on, as Nigel attempted to leave Walford after an argument with Phil, he was attacked by a group of teens.
In tonight’s episode, viewers saw Phil and Linda arrive at the hospital to take Nigel home, however he was given a fright after overhearing Linda ask the nurse if hitting his head could worsen his condition. Nigel then explained his decision to spend his last days in a park home in Kent, although Phil convinced him to stay with him in Walford.
In emotional scenes, Phil opened up to Nigel about how he saved him during his darkest times earlier this year, when he attempted to shoot himself at The Archers during the 40th anniversary.
Just days after Sonia Fowler left for Bali, Phil gave her a call to ask for her advice on becoming Nigel’s full-time carer. He then broke the news to Nigel, as he emotionally explained: “This ain’t about me saving you. This is about saving both of us. You commit to staying here, I will commit to looking after you, till the end.”
The line had fans in tears, as they took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their heartbreak. One fan penned: “the Nigel story has been the making of Phil IMO. He’s found his purpose in caring for his best friend [crying emoji]”. Another emotional fan wrote: “today’s episode is kind of beautiful in a sad way. linda, phil and nigel’s friendship is so precious, with the added extra of yolande and sweet jean on the side, it’s heartbreakingly beautiful.”
“Oh my god this Nigel / Phil story line is going to be absolutely heart breaking #Eastenders,” wrote a third, while a fourth exclaimed: “Well tonight’s episode is a masterpiece and one of my all time favourite’s ever. So emotional but so heartwarming. Seeing another side of Phil is a welcome change, I love his relationship with Nigel.”
Nigel returned to Albert Square on Christmas Eve, as Paul Bradley reprised his role after 26 years. It was later revealed that he had left his wife Julie, after being diagnosed with dementia. Nigel first left the Square in 1998 with his adopted daughter Clare to start a new life in Scotland with Julie and her son Josh.
Speaking on his return to the soap last year, Paul 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.”
On being reunited and working with Steve McFadden once again, Paul said: “I’m a huge admirer of his work, and he sets the bar really high.”
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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