Nigel’s funeral de-railed in EastEnders with the Mitchells thrown into crisis

The death of the beloved Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) served up some of the most emotional scenes EastEnders has ever seen, but the Square is set for further sorrow next week when the day of his funeral arrives – and not everything runs to plan.

Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) family become increasingly concerned after he goes missing, not realising he has actually been kidnapped by his criminal associates for not paying back his debts.

His absence threatens to derail Nigel’s final farewell when Mark’s dad and one of Nigel’s closest friends Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) finally gets wind of his whereabouts.

On the morning of the funeral, Grant receives a call from Mark’s boss Russell, demanding full payment. However, things escalate further when Russell overhears Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) on the call, and it turns out they have history.

When Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) hears of what’s been going on, he’s determined not to let it derail his best friend’s funeral, and gets a reluctant Grant and Sam to put off finding Mark until proceedings are over.

Despite their agreement, Phil, Grant, Sam and Billy decide to go and find Mark immediately, and with unfinished business between Russell and Sam, a tense standoff breaks out.

‘Everything escalates very quickly,’ explains Kim Medcalf, who plays Sam. ‘Although the plan is initially to try and save Mark after the funeral, they realise they can’t leave him there and agree that Nigel would have wanted them to act.

‘It balances huge emotion with flashes of humour and nostalgia – there’s some classic Mitchell moments.

‘Between the attempted rescue mission and Nigel’s funeral, they’re reminded who they are as a family,’ she adds.

When the Mitchells do return to Walford, they join Nigel’s loved ones at the church where those closest to him deliver the most emotional of tributes. 

Speaking of filming those scenes, Kim reveals: ‘It was incredibly emotional. Seeing the packed church really felt like the whole community had come together to honour Nigel. Everyone adores Paul too, which made it even more moving. 

‘It was handled with real care and respect by Karen, Steve, Ross and production.’

The drama does not end there, however, as Phil shares a touching moment with Nigel’s wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorne), Sam barges in and demands Mitchell sibling time. 

What mess will the family find themselves in next?