EastEnders’ Paul Bradley says Nigel’s tragic dementia d.e.a.t.h will be ‘a beautiful ending’ ahead of heartbreaking scenes
EASTENDERS’ Paul Bradley has revealed how Nigel’s tragic dementia d.e.a.t.h will be “a very beautiful ending”, ahead of heartbreaking scenes.
Viewers know the beloved character has been battling dementia ever since he returned to Walford two years ago, and this week will see him pass away.
Fans have been watching his condition deteriorating fast and are now preparing to say goodbye.
Actor Paul Bradley, 70, has now spoken about his beloved character, and his heartbreaking d.e.a.t.h.
The star, who first arrived on Albert Square in 1992, said: “It’s very moving, and for such a heartbreaking subject matter, it’s a very beautiful ending.
“It’s difficult to describe without giving too much away, but the story has found a way to reconcile a lot of the loose ends in the various relationships Nigel has, and end on a hopeful and positive note.
“I think it’s a great piece of writing to be able to do that when it’s such a serious subject matter. EastEnders has always had this tradition of d.e.a.l.i.n.g with difficult subjects and really investigating them and presenting them in a responsible way, and that’s what I have felt with all of the scripts.”
The star added: “With regards to the final scripts, I’ll be as the viewers are, watching and being moved. It’s been great playing the character, but it’s almost been like playing two or three characters, because we’ve gradually gone on this journey with Nigel, and by the end, he is a very different person to the character he was when he initially returned.
“Of course, this is what family, and friends of people living with dementia find very difficult to come to terms with as they call it ‘the long goodbye’.
“Unlike other shows, with a continuing drama like EastEnders, we’ve been able to echo the gradual worsening of Nigel’s symptoms to tell his story in real time, which is heartbreaking, but hopefully truthful to those watching at home who resonate with it.”
Actor Paul left EastEnders in 1998, and went onto star in fellow BBC soap, Holby City.
In 2024, the star thrilled fans when his character returned to Albert Square.
Sadly it was quickly discovered that Nigel was battling dementia.
Speaking about his return to the soap, and also taking on this dramatic storyline, Paul said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to return for a storyline that unfortunately is such a resonant subject for the viewers, but undoubtedly an important storyline to tell and raise awareness of.
“Returning to the set, and cast, has been amazing and it’s been a rollercoaster.
“The fact that Steve McFadden is still there, and that I could work with him again was fantastic.
“There is mutual admiration there, and so it was great being asked back, and a privilege to tell this story.”
This week has also seen the return of Ross Kemp to EastEnders.
The actor – who plays Grant in the BBC soap – reprised his role for the heartbreaking d.e.a.t.h of old pal Nigel.
Last week, TV star Ross revealed his own personal reasons for returning to the soap.
“Coming back has been a wonderful experience,” he said.
“Nigel’s dementia storyline was deeply important to me, as my father d.i.e.d with Alzheimer’s, as did Dame Barbara Windsor, so returning came with a mixture of excitement and emotional pressure.
“I was nervous about letting people down, and I thought about Barbara a great deal while being back on set – particularly in The Vic, where we spent so much time together.
“The storyline was the main reason I wanted to come back, and I was delighted when Ben Wadey asked me to return.
“I felt honoured to be part of something that has been handled so beautifully by EastEnders, alongside Steve McFadden, Paul Bradley, Karen Henthorn, and the rest of the cast.
“It’s been incredibly special to have the Mitchells reunited – the first time in ten years that Sam, Phil, and Grant have been on set together.”
He added: “I’ve loved working with Steve McFadden again, and to be reunited with Kim Medcalf and to work alongside Stephen Aaron‑Sipple for the first time.”
