A beloved EastEnders star made their shock return to the soap after 26 years – and it’s fair to say fans had a lot to say
EastEnders fans were forced to double take after a soap legend made their return – nearly 30 years since their exit.
In Tuesday’s episode (December 24), beloved Walford resident Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) headed to the community centre’s soup kitchen. There, she came across none other than Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
Nigel was a firm favourite on the soap, making his debut in 1992. Famous for his flamboyant shirts and dark curly hair, Nigel also had an unlikely friendship with Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp).
He was last seen in 1998, when he left the square for Scotland, starting a new life with his wife Julie (Karen Henthorn). However, 26 years on, and Nigel was back in Walford – but has appeared to have fallen on hard times.
At the soup kitchen, he was about why he was in Walford by Yolande. He replied: “Memories.” What’s more, Nigel’s return sparked frenzy online with plenty of viewers happy to see him back – but some fans were forced to double take.
On an EastEnders Facebook fan page one person wrote: “Wait was that Nigel Bates?” Someone else replied: “I had to press pause, I didn’t even recognise him.” A third chimed in: “Can’t believe he’s back. Was shocked to see him but what a blast from the past.” Another wrote: “He looks so different.”
During his time on the soap, local video shop worker Nigel struck up a good relationship with local gossip-queen Dot Cotton (June Brown). She thought of Nigel as the good son she never had, which meant he was bullied by her villainous child Nick Cotton (John Altman).
Actor Paul Bradley, 67, played the role of Nigel in the BBC One soap between 1992 and 1998. Since leaving the show he’s gone on to star in many other TV series including Doctors, My Family, and Casualty. Most recently he portrayed Elliot Hope in Holby City between 2005 and 2019 and also starred as Golden Android in the dark comedy series I Hate Suzie.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
