EastEnders airs double exit for emotional storyline in BBC iPlayer release – will they be back?

When Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) realised that Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) was being searched for by his worried wife Julie (Karen Henthorn), he called her and she arrived within hours to see her beloved husband.

Married for nearly 30 years, Nigel had lived a happy life with Julie until he was diagnosed with dementia, and chose to leave so as not to burden her.

Now aware of Nigel's condition, Julie was gentle with him and insisted he was not a burden, though left upset when he failed to remember her and asked her to leave the house he shares with his old friend and carer Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

But soon, Nigel felt guilty for being rude, and recalled the way Julie liked her tea, leading Phil to make her a cup as a peace offering.

Phil showed Julie a heartfelt video made for her by Nigel, and she knew then that he still loved her.

Julie decided to take Nigel back to Scotland with her, but Phil wasn't going to allow her to just take him away.

Jay updated Julie on Phil's depression and how his bond with Nigel had strengthened in recent months, but the situation came to a head when Phil and Julie's arguing upset Nigel.

Nigel headed outside, but it was Julie who was able to calm him down, assuring Nigel that it was okay that he couldn't remember everything.

During a heart-to-heart, Nigel ultimately agreed to leave with Julie, while Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) tried to persuade Phil to say goodbye as it might be his last chance to see Nigel.

Phil chose not to do so, looking lost and alone in his kitchen as Nigel and Julie headed off in a black cab.

But is this the last we've seen of the Bates?

Will Nigel and Julie Bates be back in EastEnders?

Thankfully, Nigel's story is not over yet.

New EastEnders spoilers have already confirmed that Nigel will go missing next week, leading Julie to seek out Phil in case Nigel has turned up there.

Nigel will soon be found and there are more arguments between Julie and Phil.

But when the pair team up to care for Nigel, we're left wondering if Nigel and Julie are set to stick around.

Phil and Julie can't seem to agree on Nigel's likes and dislikes, but soon Phil decides it's time he made a proper effort.

With Nigel's condition due to deteriorate, will Phil and Julie be able to get along during their loved one's time of need?

Dementia UK provides a helpline staffed by specialist admiral nurses who can advise on all aspects of caring for someone with dementia. To speak to someone, phone: 0800 888 6678.

Read more:

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• 5 EastEnders spoilers next week: Callum Highway affair rumbled as Oscar and Julie return to Walford
• EastEnders schedule shake-up confirmed again as new advance spoilers revealed
• EastEnders airs dramatic double exit in double-bill early BBC iPlayer release
• EastEnders airs big update on former character in iPlayer release
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