Nigel Bates will be at the centre of the action in EastEnders next week as he comes clean about his health, but what do we know about the actor who plays him?
EastEnders is poised to unveil a major secret about Nigel Bates (portrayed by Paul Bradley) following his unexpected return to Walford. Over the festive period, Nigel made a surprise reappearance in Albert Square after 26 years, swiftly reuniting with old mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
It was evident that Nigel was going through a rough patch as he seemed homeless and estranged from his wife Julie. Phil encouraged Nigel to move in with him, and in exchange, Nigel is attempting to help Phil through his lonely phase.
However, there’s still an air of mystery surrounding Nigel’s return. Initially, he claimed to have separated from his wife, but she has been urging him to come back home.
Nigel was also taken aback when Phil offered to sign over his share of the Boxing Den to him – an offer he declined.
EastEnders icon Nigel has returned to Walford but his past still remains a mystery (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
In forthcoming scenes, Nigel contemplates leaving Walford, but instead opts to visit the laundrette. Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) offers her support, leading to Nigel revealing a significant secret, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Phil grows concerned about his friend’s whereabouts and teams up with Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) to search for Nigel. As Nigel continues to confide in Yolande about his real reasons for returning to Walford, Phil turns up.
Next week, Yolande continues to be a source of comfort for Nigel and advises him to disclose to Phil the true state of his health. But what exactly is Nigel concealing?
As Walford legend Nigel takes the spotlight, let’s delve into the life of actor Paul Bradley.
EastEnders’ Nigel and Julie left Walford for a new life in Scotland in 1998(Image: BBC)
Bradley, 69, hails from Warwickshire and first graced EastEnders between 1992 and 1998. His memorable character was best known as the kind-hearted mate of Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and the proprietor of the local video shop. He was also recognised for his flashy shirts paired with his dark curly locks.
Nigel, the local video store employee, also formed a close bond with the neighbourhood’s chatterbox, Dot Cotton (June Brown). She saw Nigel as the good son she never had, which led to him being tormented by her own wicked offspring, Nick Cotton (John Altman).
Nigel attempted to enjoy marital bliss with his wife Debbie Bates (Nicola Duffett) and took on her daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) as his own, but their idyllic family life was not destined to last. Debbie met her end in a hit-and-run accident, leaving Nigel as Clare’s sole guardian.
In 1997, he fell head over heels for Julie (Karen Henthorn), Clare’s school teacher, and relocated from Albert Square to Scotland in 1998, never to return – until now.
EastEnders actor Paul Bradley as Elliot Hope in Holby City
Post-EastEnders, actor Bradley has featured in numerous other TV shows including Doctors, My Family, I Hate Suzie, Bottom and Casualty, as well as a small part in the film The Pianist. His earliest role was in the zany sitcom The Young Ones in 1982.
Paul is also a stage sensation and most recently appeared in the long-running Agatha Christie play The Mousetrap as Major Metcalfe in London’s West End.
The soap actor is also known for his role as Elliot Hope in the now cancelled BBC medical drama Holby City, a part he played for ten years between 2005 and 2015, then reprised in 2019 for the 20th anniversary celebrations.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
