Nigel Bates returns as Cindy Beale knocked out by shovel in EastEnders special

The two-part Christmas special of EastEnders delivered plenty of excitement, featuring the comeback of Nigel Bates to Albert Square. Meanwhile, Cindy Beale was unexpectedly attacked by an unknown assailant wielding a shovel.

Nigel, portrayed by Paul Bradley, is making a comeback to the soap after nearly thirty years. He originally departed in April 1998, when he took his adopted daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) and moved to Scotland to join his partner Julie Haye (Karen Henthorn) and her son, Josh Saunders (Jon Lee).

Cindy, portrayed by Michelle Collins, has been a part of the BBC soap intermittently since 1988. She made her latest appearance in Walford in 2023 after returning from France with her husband, Ian Beale.

The character's intense plot took shape earlier in the episodes when Lauren Branning discloses that she has a recording of a conversation exposing Cindy's relationship with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour).

The recording captures a conversation between Cindy and David Bates, who is Ian's half-brother and with whom she previously had an affair. In the discussion, she admits that she had “settled for Ian,” referring to him as “the simpler choice.”

Cindy goes on to share that she has feelings for Junior’s dad, George Knight, with whom she was previously married.

When Cindy confronts Lauren about the recording, she inquires about her intentions. Lauren responds, “I just want to see you in pain; that’s all I need.”

Lauren, portrayed by Jacqueline Jossa, then reveals a surprising twist: she has given the audio as a secret Santa gift to someone important. Ian eventually opens the USB, which had a note attached that said, “Play me for holiday fun for everyone.”

Ian, portrayed by Adam Woodyatt, mistakenly believed it was a holiday playlist and started playing the music at the Queen Vic, leaving the Christmas guests stunned.

Upon listening to the recording, Ian hurls a glass and strikes Junior in the face, causing the guests at the Christmas party to panic and disperse.

George’s wife, Elaine Knight (maiden name Peacock), portrayed by Harriet Thorpe, confronts him about his emotions regarding Cindy. She suggests that he is infatuated with her. In response, George expresses his disbelief, saying, “My own son is having an affair with my wife (referring to Cindy).”

She then gives him a slap and says, "You can be with her instead."

Elaine and George started dating while collaborating in Marbella behind the scenes. Elaine rejoined the soap alongside him in 2023, and they are set to tie the knot in November of this year.

Before George made his first appearance on the soap in 2023, he was married to Cindy. At that time, she was residing in Spain under the alias Rose Sawyer due to being in a witness protection program after testifying against her cellmate.

Later in the episode, Cindy tries to convince Ian to remain with her. Just when it seems like they are about to share a kiss, he says "almost" and then asks her to leave his house.

Left to her own devices, Cindy tries to catch the Tube, only to find it shut down. She then decides to walk in search of a taxi. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure is shown grabbing a shovel, and the scene concludes with Cindy being knocked out.

In the holiday special, EastEnders honored this year's announcement of the Oasis reunion by showcasing two posters in the Queen Vic.

The episodes highlighted various events occurring in the Mitchell family, including Phil, played by Steve McFadden, finding out that Nigel has become homeless following his breakup with Julie Haye.

While out for a walk, Phil runs into Nigel and says, "You’re coming over tonight. I’ll order a pizza."

Meanwhile, Nigel receives a message from Julie that says, "Please come back home."

In his initial moments on the soap, Nigel's most significant plots revolved around his romantic involvement with Debbie Tyler, a worker at his video store (played by Nicola Duffett). Tragically, she meets her untimely death in a hit-and-run incident. Additionally, he forms a close friendship with Dot Cotton, who viewed Nigel as the son she never had.

During their school years, Nigel was really close friends with Phil and his brother Grant Mitchell, who is played by Ross Kemp.

This year's holiday special was divided into two segments. The first part was shown prior to the Christmas specials of Call The Midwife and Gavin And Stacey, while the second part was broadcast following the last episode of the BBC sitcom.