EastEnders boss confirms long stint for Nigel Bates in Phil storyline after mysterious Christmas return
It’s wonderful to reunite with old friends during the holiday season!
EastEnders is set to showcase a holiday get-together between Nigel Bates (played by Paul Bradley) and his longtime friend Phil Mitchell (portrayed by Steve McFadden). Executive producer Chris Clenshaw has hinted that this is just the beginning for their storylines.
Nigel unexpectedly showed up on Christmas Eve, even though there had been rumors in the tabloids about his comeback for the 40th anniversary. So, what brings him back to the Square?
The character was last spotted in Albert Square in 1998, leaving to start a new chapter in Scotland alongside his girlfriend, Julie Haye (played by Karen Henthorn), her son Josh Saunders (played by Jon Lee), and Nigel's cherished stepdaughter, Clare Bates (played by Gemma Bissix).
Famous for his bond with the Mitchell Brothers, particularly the missing Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), and serving as a stand-in son for Dot Cotton (June Brown), Nigel experienced an uncommon happy ending when he departed from Walford. So, what "memories" are drawing him back?
Talking about Nigel's comeback, executive producer Chris Clenshaw stated, "We're thrilled to have Paul Bradley reprise his role as Nigel Bates, a character that longtime fans of EastEnders really adore."
Why has Nigel Bates (played by Paul Bradley) come back by himself? BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
He mentioned, "There's a lot of uncertainty surrounding Nigel's circumstances and why he's by himself, but that will be explained in the upcoming weeks. Phil has never needed help as much as he does this Christmas, so we’re looking forward to bringing these two long-time friends back together."
Reflecting on his comeback, actor Paul Bradley, who originally portrayed Nigel between 1992 and 1998, expressed his excitement, saying, "I’m absolutely delighted and proud to step back into the role of Nigel. Even after all these years, people still recognize me as Nigel when I'm out and about."
Coming back has been wonderful since I recognize so many people at EastEnders, and they’re a really welcoming group. It’s amazing to collaborate with Steve McFadden again—I'm a big fan of his talent, and he raises the standard exceptionally high. I'm truly enjoying myself.
During a press conference at the EastEnders Christmas event in December, Clenshaw mentioned: "There have been some rumors about his return, but he's definitely back. It's fantastic to have Paul returning, and he'll be here for an extended period."
What effect will Nigel's return have on Phil's storyline? BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron
Regarding Phil's situation, the executive producer commented: "Although he has family support, he is still facing challenges. As always, Steve McFadden continues to impress me as we approach the holiday season."
"It's a fascinating and unique narrative to share with a character like Phil Mitchell. He feels familiar to us, as if we either know him personally or know someone similar."
"I wrapped up an incredible episode last week featuring Steve, who was absolutely outstanding."
What actually motivates Nigel to return to Albert Square after his last appearance in 1998? Let the guessing begin!
EastEnders is broadcast from Monday to Thursday at 7:30 PM on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer starting at 6 AM.
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Lewis Knight serves as the Trends Editor at Radio Times, where he focuses on popular titles across television, film, and other entertainment mediums. Before this role, he was at The Mirror, reporting on television, film, and celebrity news while also managing SEO tasks. With prior experience in advertising, Lewis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Film Studies.
