EastEnders Paul Bradley’s tribute to Steve McFadden in full as icon exits BBC soap
Paul Bradley, who plays Nigel Bates, has paid a heartfelt tribute to his EastEnders co-stars as his character's dementia storyline concludes
EastEnders’ Phil and Nigel have been friends since they were at school(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders icon Nigel Bates has reached the end of his journey.
The former video shop proprietor Nigel, portrayed by actor Paul Bradley, made his Walford debut in 1992 as the childhood mate of Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and his brother Phil (Steve McFadden). In 1998, Nigel and his spouse, Julie (Karen Henthorn), relocated to Scotland to begin a new chapter together as a family.
Nevertheless, Nigel made his return to the Square at Christmas 2024 to reconnect with old friend Phil following a 26-year gap, and it was quickly disclosed that Nigel had “come home” after receiving a devastating diagnosis of early-onset dementia.
In recent devastating scenes of the BBC One soap, Nigel’s health has been rapidly declining as he struggles with his deteriorating symptoms of the condition alongside pneumonia, reports OK!.
Paul Bradley as Nigel Bates in EastEnders(Image: BBC/Jack Barns/Kieron McCarron)
During Tuesday’s (April 28) episode, Nigel’s state continued to deteriorate as he showed no response to medical intervention. With no indication of improvement, Julie decided it was time to make him comfortable and cease his medical treatment.
The tragic development left the Mitchell brothers devastated as their dearest friend approached the end of his life.
Discussing his dementia storyline, actor Paul Bradley has praised his co-stars Steve McFadden and Karen Henthorn, as he acknowledges that some scenes were challenging to shoot.
Paul revealed: “Steve and Karen are phenomenal. When Phil told Nigel he couldn’t care for him anymore, I found it really difficult not to cry during filming. There is a lot of emotion in a soap, so you have to be responsible about it.
As EastEnders legend Nigel Bates passes away after battling dementia, actor Paul Bradley discusses his ‘moving’ final episode(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
“The three of us really tried to bring that to every scene, and it’s some of the best work I’ve done, and something I’m incredibly proud of because of the care and dedication we’ve all brought to it. There was a real chemistry between the three of us because we get on so well, and we looked out for each other throughout.”
Paul added: “I think the viewers recognise that there was something special going on. If you invest in it, you go through it emotionally.
“We’ve seen Nigel gradually decline, but we’ve also seen Phil stand up, so you emotionally go through the process of people who are actually going through this, and I think soaps have a lot of power in that respect.
“If the story only brings to attention the dedication of the people who care for a loved one with dementia, then I think it’s done a great job.”
EastEnders legend Paul Bradley has opened-up about working alongside Steve McFadden(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Throughout the past year, EastEnders fans have grown fond of Nigel and Phil’s bond as they both tackle challenging storylines, with Phil attempting to take his own life in February 2025. “They reunited during a crisis point for each of their characters”, Paul explained about his on-screen relationship.
“When Phil was at his lowest, Nigel admitted to him that he had dementia, and they made a pledge that they would look after each other, and I think that’s so moving to have someone in your life who will say to you unconditionally that they are going to be there for you.”
He continued, “That’s why it’s quite a surprise when Phil gets to a point where he hasn’t been able to see Nigel anymore, but I think it’s the emotional intensity of it all.”
Nigel’s final scenes will be broadcast this week.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
