EastEnders fans ‘work out’ Christmas d.e.a.t.h as show favourite ‘k.i.l.l.e.d off’ after 33 years
EastEnders fans are convinced that a beloved Walford resident is going to d.i.e over the festive period after a heartbreaking health diagnosis was confirmed earlier this year
EastEnders fans are convinced that a beloved Walford resident is going to d.i.e over the festive period
EastEnders viewers reckon they’ve sussed out a gut-wrenching Christmas plot that’s bound to leave the audience in bits.
Beloved character Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley, won over the fans’ hearts when he first appeared on the Square in 1992.
After an original stint of six years concluding in 1998, Nigel made a dramatic comeback on Christmas Eve 2024 following a 26-year hiatus.
However, it was heartbreakingly disclosed that Nigel is grappling with early onset dementia, and recent episodes have shown his memory lapses increasing, causing concern for his mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).
Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) recently popped by Phil’s place to recommend that he gets additional support for Nigel, advice which Phil stubbornly shrugged off despite being Nigel’s oldest pal, reports Belfast Live.
Nigel Bates made a dramatic comeback on Christmas Eve 2024 following a 26-year hiatus(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Complications arose when Nigel agreed to assist little Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) with her school story project but found the trip down memory lane painfully challenging.
Phil’s worries spiked after discovering Nigel with Lexi, who in his confusion, he mistook for his daughter Claire Bates (Gemma Bissix).
With Nigel’s condition evidently worsening, the EastEnders community fears that the cherished character might tragically pass away during the yuletide season.
Nigel is battling early onset dementia(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Social media has been buzzing with speculation, as one viewer posted: “They aren’t going to drag his Dementia storyline on for long. I suspect Nigel is a definite d.e.a.t.h for Christmas.”
Another echoed: “I think Nigel will d.i.e at christmas tbh and it’s going to be heartbreaking.”
And a third pondered: “I sadly think Nigel could d.i.e and it will be a teary Christmas.”
Paul Bradley, who plays Nigel in the series, opened up about his character’s “experiencing a slow decline”.
Nigel recently confused Lexi Pearce for his daughter Clare Bates(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“Things have started to happen that are understandably very confusing for him,” he shared.
Adding further, he said: “He often mistakes things in his past for the present day, and his memories are disjointed. When that happens, it is also incredibly upsetting for those around him.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am
