‘EastEnders' gave viewers a festive surprise tonight with the return of Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), who hasn't been seen in Walford for 26 years.
Viewers saw Nigel tonight when he turned up at the community centre where Yolande Trueman was volunteering. Nigel was last seen in April 1998 when he and his adopted daughter Clare left to start a new life in Scotland with his partner Julie Haye and her son Josh.
However, just why has Nigel returned to Albert Square alone? One thing is for certain, Phil Mitchell will receive a ghost of Christmas past this year as the two friends reconnect.
Speaking of Nigel’s return, ‘EastEnders' Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Paul Bradley back as Nigel Bates, a character much-loved by long-time EastEnders viewers. There’s a lot of mystery about Nigel’s situation and why he’s here alone, which will be revealed in the coming weeks. Phil has never needed support more than he does this Christmas, so we’re excited to reunite these two old friends.”
Paul Bradley said of his return: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street. Returning has been great as I’m so familiar with many of the faces at ‘EastEnders', and they are a very friendly bunch. It’s fantastic to work with Steve McFadden again – I’m a huge admirer of his work, and he sets the bar really high. I’m having a really good time.”
‘EastEnders' will air two episodes on Christmas Day at 7.30pm and 10.35pm on BBC One.
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