Heads up! If you don’t want to know what happens in the next EastEnders episode airing on Wednesday, 8th January 2025 on both BBC iPlayer and BBC One, then it might be best to avoid this. I wouldn’t want any surprises ruined for fellow movie lovers like myself!
EastEnders has finally revealed the secret being harboured by Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
Last month, on Christmas Eve, the beloved character from the BBC One daytime drama made their comeback. This extended appearance was later verified by the series’ producer, Chris Clenshaw, as being for an extended period of time.
After coming back, Nigel found himself catching up with an old acquaintance, Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden), who’s going through a tough time due to loneliness. Nigel confided that he had been without a home and separated from his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn).
Yet, it appears that Nigel has been dishonest about being homeless with Julie, since she’s been reaching out to him via messages and phone calls, inviting him back home.
Yesterday, Phil made his family gasp in surprise when he transferred ownership of the boxing gym to Nigel, since he believed that his collaboration with his former wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was failing, as he grew increasingly detached and withdrawn from them.
On Wednesday’s morning meeting (8th January), Nigel brought up his concerns about his friend’s illogical and nonsensical choice. However, Phil was firm in his stance that this was his choice, while Nigel argued that he wasn’t cut out to manage a business and his previous venture collapsed during the Covid-19 crisis.
Nigel also noted his concern for Phil’s pacing during the middle of the night.
In the cozy atmosphere of Kathy’s Cafe, it transpired that Nigel had committed an error while attending to Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), inadvertently giving him incorrect change. This discrepancy was picked up by Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter).
Later, Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) jokingly teased Nigel about transforming from a nobody into a hero because of Phil, wondering why he was still employed at the cafe. This comment caused Nigel to leave during his break, and Yolande scolded Billy for his remarks.
Outside the Boxing Gym, Nigel shared with stunned Sharon the details of Phil’s choice, imploring her to try to change his mind instead.
At The Queen Vic pub, Sharon confronted Phil and accused him of retaliating against her for starting a relationship with his cousin Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian). She implored him not to forget that they had reopened the gym as a tribute to their late son, Dennis Rickman Jr. (Bleu Landeau).
In my perspective as a movie critic, I found myself expressing apprehension when Nigel was appointed to lead the business. Phil appeared ready to confide in me about his reluctance to manage the boxing gym anymore. However, just as I was about to listen, Teddy barged in and started grilling Phil on his decision-making process.
To explain himself to the pair, an unhappy Phil then repeatedly stated: “I’m tired and I’m done.”
In the evening, at Kathy’s Cafe, Sharon talked about recent events with Teddy, just as Billy entered with Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick), intending to address the matter. Throughout their discussion, Sharon expressed worries about Phil’s wellbeing.
Nigel listened in and attempted to comfort her by saying Phil was alright, while Billy doubted whether Phil might be losing his mind. Trying to dissuade Sharon from getting involved, Nigel guided the group instead towards Phil’s place to show him they were there for him.
In Phil’s residence, they all entered with the intention of supporting Phil, yet they couldn’t help but observe the apparent neglect around the house. Sharon expressed her concerns about Phil’s well-being and suspected he might have been diagnosed with dementia, but despite this, Phil kept distancing himself from them.
The family wondered why Phil was giving away his businesses, as he had numerous children and grandchildren, a move that seemed unusual for him. This puzzled behavior led Phil to believe everyone was trying to seize his wealth.
Later, Phil observed that Nigel had hurriedly left and we subsequently spotted him dashing away from the house, venturing into the darkness, and making his way along Bridge Street. In the process, he stumbled over his suitcases and trash bags.
Approaching Nigel on the bustling street, Yolande observed his troubled state as he approached a tranquil, deserted laundromat. There, he seemed preoccupied, observing the rotation of laundry within the machines, presumably trying to find solace for his thoughts.
Inside the laundromat, I walked up to Nigel and he accidentally referred to Yolande as “Mrs C” rather than “Mrs T.” He quickly realized his mistake and apologized once it was pointed out.
Or, more casually:
In the laundromat, I ran into Nigel who mistakenly called Yolande “Mrs C” instead of “Mrs T.” He quickly corrected himself when someone pointed it out.
Yolande observed that Nigel was anxious, and he confided that coming back to Walford seemed like an error to him, adding he had done so just to catch a glimpse of “familiar people”.
When an alarm rang out on my phone, I accidentally dropped it. Luckily, Yolande was there to pick it up and saw a reminder about dinner. I confessed that when I’m engrossed in something, I tend to forget about eating altogether.
Yolande asked: “You’re not well are you, Nigel?”
She then reassured a distressed Nigel that he could talk to her.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Nigel confided in Yolande, asking for her promise of confidentiality before disclosing his secret: “I’ve been diagnosed with dementia.
It’s become clear, just as some had foreseen, that the events leading to Nigel’s sorrowful comeback to Walford and his departure from his beloved wife Julie have been unveiled.
The next day, Nigel plans to disclose more details about his situation to Yolande and also stop by Dot Branning’s old residence, which used to belong to a friend. However, the question remains whether he will honestly confide in Phil as well.
Dementia UK offers a support line manned by expert Admiral Nurses, ready to provide guidance on every aspect of caring for individuals with dementia. You can reach them by calling: 0800 888 6678.
The Samaritans are here for anyone having trouble dealing with life, offering a secure space for conversation around the clock. Their phone number is 116 123.
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2025-01-08 11:11