EastEnders confirms return of S Club 7 star for Nigel Bates’s emotional funeral scenes

by

S Club 7 star Jon Lee is reprising his former EastEnders role after almost three decades away.

Lee first became well-known in the late 1990s as a member of the popular pop group behind songs like “Don’t Stop Movin'” and “Reach.” He then appeared in 18 episodes of the BBC soap opera between 1997 and 1998.

His return will happen at the same time as the funeral for Nigel Bates (played by Paul Bradley), a much-loved character who recently died in a very sad storyline. Nigel had imagined spending his last moments in a peaceful, beachside location, with his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn) and close friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) at his side.

Josh Saunders, played by the actor, is Julie’s son. He was first seen as a potential love interest for Clare, Nigel’s stepdaughter, and Clare will be back for the upcoming funeral.

Lee described returning to the Albert Square set as a strange but wonderful experience, noting its familiarity after so many years. He was especially happy to reunite with his on-screen family.

Bissix explained that they always planned for Clare to return for Nigel’s funeral, as he was very important to her. It felt fitting for everyone to gather and say goodbye as his life came to a close.

He first stepped in to stop some bullies from bothering her, and she then spent weeks hoping to get his notice. But when Clare found out he was like a brother to her teacher, Julie, she was deeply embarrassed and ended things between them.

A few weeks later, they made up, and although their relationship was a bit unusual, they were happy to see Nigel start a relationship with Julie.

Add TopMob as a Preferred Source on Google

Stay informed about the latest movies, TV shows, and celebrities with entertainment news from TopMob. You can find our exclusive content and interviews highlighted in the Top Stories section when you use Google.

Julie soon revealed she was moving to Scotland, which upset Josh’s father, Eliot. He insisted Josh have a Bar Mitzvah before leaving, even though Josh wasn’t interested in Judaism.

To make his family happy, he finally participated in the traditional rite of passage. Clare was heartbroken to watch him depart with Julie, but Nigel surprisingly asked if they could all go together at the very last moment.

When Clare came back after ten years, she explained to Dot Branning that Nige had grown closer to Josh as they both got older. The reason for their complicated connection, as viewers now understand, was Clare’s choice to sell the jewelry belonging to her mother, Debbie.

Before Nigel passed away, Julie let me know that Josh was actually working over in China, so he wouldn’t be able to help out. It was a tough time, and she explained it as a reason why he couldn’t be there for us.

Don’t miss EastEnders! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app now for daily TV suggestions, articles, and more.

Authors

Michael AdamsSoaps Editor

As a total soap opera fanatic, I follow the work of Michael Adams at TopMob – he’s their Soaps Editor, and basically knows everything that’s happening in all the big shows! From the drama in Weatherfield (that’s Coronation Street for those who don’t know!) to Walford (EastEnders), Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks, he’s got all the spoilers and gossip. Before TopMob, he was a Soaps Reporter at Metro for a couple of years, and even worked on the actual sets of Coronation Street and Emmerdale – so he’s really been in the world of soaps, which is amazing!

  • Visit us on Twitter

Read More

2026-04-30 20:34