Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is set to face the wrath of ex-wife Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) in EastEnders next week, in the aftermath of Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) death.
Nigel returned to Albert Square in 2024 after more than 25 years away, and it wasn’t long before the devastating truth behind his arrival was revealed.
It was explained that he had been diagnosed with young-onset dementia, and had left his life in Scotland with wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) without a word, as he didn’t want her to end up being his carer.
Eventually, Julie and Nigel were reunited, and she and Phil shared the task of looking after Nigel. When this became too much, they finally agreed to move him into a care home.
This is where Nigel has spent his final days, with emotional scenes this week bringing Nigel’s story to a heartbreaking close.
However, there is more to come in the aftermath of Nigel’s death as his loved ones and neighbours grieve.
Having lost his friend, Phil attempts to adjust to life without him, inviting brother Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) to spend the day with him.
Still feeling rejected by son Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple), Grant declines Phil’s invitation when Mark turns him down.
Meanwhile, Julie is emotional when she bumps into Kat at the Minute Mart and reveals that she is heading to Nigel’s care home to pick up his things.
She explains that she hasn’t told Phil, as she doesn’t want to upset him, but Kat clearly isn’t happy about the thought of her facing it alone.
Storming into No.55, Kat gives Phil and Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) a dressing down.
Following Kat’s outburst, Phil and Sam head to the care home to support Julie.
Unexpectedly, Julie finds a letter from Nigel, but can’t bring herself to read it. What does it say?
