EastEnders’ Phil makes unexpected decision after Nigel death in early iPlayer release

EastEnders spoilers follow for Thursday’s episode (30 April), which is available to watch now on streaming service BBC iPlayer and hasn’t yet aired on TV.

EastEnders has aired the emotional aftermath of Nigel Bates’ death, as Julie grieves her beloved husband and Phil struggles to come to terms with the loss of his best friend. Yesterday’s moving episode saw Nigel sadly pass away in the care home, and thankfully Phil arrived just in time to say goodbye.

In the moments after Nigel’s death, today’s episode opened with a poignant sequence of largely silent scenes: Julie embracing her husband, Phil sitting outside processing his loss, Grant watching his son Mark sleep back at home, and Kat putting a blanket over Mo after her birthday party in The Vic.

The next morning, with the undertakers arriving for Nigel, Julie and Phil returned to Walford as the community found out the tragic news. The residents wanted a way to pay their respects, so Lexi suggested showing Nigel’s film again and Kat offered to screen it in The Vic.

Alfie welcomed Julie and Phil into the pub, which had been decorated in tribute to Nigel. Julie was deeply moved and gave an emotional speech, explaining that she now understands why Nigel chose to return to Walford after his dementia diagnosis.

She tried to thank Phil for everything he did for Nigel, but Phil looked uncomfortable and raised a toast to take the attention away from himself.

As the community enjoyed Nigel’s film again, Phil sat alone by the door of the pub, and his loved ones grew worried about his mental health. Linda attempted to reach out to him, but he swiftly pushed her away.

At the end of the film, some behind-the-scenes footage of Nigel and Phil played, showing their playful friendship. But this clip was the last straw for Phil and he went home by himself, rejecting his brother’s support.

Phil struggled when left with his own thoughts, and in a worrying scene, he picked up a lighter. He carried his armchair into the Square and set fire to it which scared his family – but Grant knew that this was Phil’s way of ‘setting fire’ to the fear that he would retreat back to a solitary life after Nigel’s death.

Inviting all his loved ones into his house for food, Phil put on one of Nigel’s favourite songs. As everyone started dancing in celebration of Nigel, Phil quietly thanked his old friend for helping him to move into a new, happier chapter of his life.