Eastenders: Nigel Bates makes Christmas return to Albert Square

Nigel Bates is making his comeback to the BBC soap EastEnders after a 26-year absence, appearing in a special episode that airs on Christmas Eve.

In the episode, Paul Bradley's character showed up at a community center where Yolande Trueman, portrayed by Angela Wynter, was volunteering.

In April 1998, Nigel exited the show, taking his adopted daughter Clare as they departed from Albert Square to begin a fresh chapter in Scotland alongside his partner Julie Haye and her son Josh.

Bradley expressed his excitement and gratitude about returning to the role of Nigel.

Even though it happened a long time ago, people still recognize me as Nigel when I'm out and about.

Chris Clenshaw, the executive producer of EastEnders, expressed his excitement about bringing Bradley back, calling it "fantastic."

He playfully hinted, "There’s a lot of intrigue surrounding Nigel's circumstances and the reason he’s by himself, and more details will come to light in the next few weeks."

According to the BBC, Nigel is set to meet up again with his childhood best friend, Phil Mitchell, portrayed by Steve McFadden, on Christmas Day.

Bradley mentioned that he was genuinely enjoying collaborating with McFadden once more.

"I'm a big fan of what he does, and he really raises the standard," he mentioned.

In his initial appearance on the show, his character experienced some significant story arcs, including developing a romantic relationship with Debbie Tyler, a video store clerk portrayed by Nicola Duffett. Unfortunately, Debbie's character met a tragic end in a hit-and-run accident. Additionally, he formed a bond with June Brown’s character, Dot Cotton, who viewed him as the son she never had.