EastEnders airs emotional Phil Mitchell scenes in the wake of Nigel Bates's death in early BBC iPlayer release

Walford grieved one of their finest in today's episode of EastEnders, as news spread of Nigel Bates's (Paul Bradley) death.

Bradley reprised his role in December 2024 after a 26 year absence, and as the weeks rolled by, it became apparent that he was hiding something.

He eventually chose to divulge the fact he had been diagnosed with young-onset dementia to old friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), and the men quickly rekindled their childhood friendship. As Nigel's condition worsened, Phil promised to stand by him.
However, in recent months, Nige's condition rapidly worsened and he was forced to move into a care home. Phil believed that he'd betrayed his mate, and chose not to join the other residents in visiting.
When Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) arrived back in Walford, he feared that his brother had taken a turn for the worse and that he was on the brink of another spate of poor mental health. This was only intensified when he discovered Phil scouring a beach searching for a specific type of stone that Nigel had asked for.

He convinced him to say his final goodbyes, and the two had an eventful trip to the care home. After a series of setbacks, Phil hitched a ride on the back of a pizza delivery motorbike, and was sat with Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) as Nigel slipped away.

In today's episode, the pair remained at the facility as the sun began to rise. Julie said she was ready to leave, as her husband was no longer there. She reflected on the times she had with Nigel, but had accepted that his spirit had left.

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Back in Albert Square, Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) and the Slater clan pulled together a last-minute celebration of his life, gathering as many residents together to watch the comedy thriller film he'd produced last Christmas.
Julie was warmed by the gesture, though Phil watched on from afar and eventually retreated to his house. He peered into the empty living room, glancing at the armchair which he'd spent many a long day sitting in.

He then looked at the picture of Nigel on the fireplace, and knew that he wanted to prove to everyone that he wasn't going to decline again. After grabbing a lighter, he wheeled the furniture out into the street and torched it.

His concerned family watched on, but Grant could see the reasoning behind his actions and urged everyone to join Phil back inside of the house for a makeshift party. Memories of Nigel were shared, and when Grant recalled Nigel's youth in the '70s, everyone stood up to dance.

In a change to the usual map of the Thames and EastEnders theme tune, the credits rolled over a picture of Phil and Nigel, and to the sound of The Jam.

Read more:

• 7 EastEnders spoilers next week: Twisted villain Eddie Knight returns and drops a huge bombshell
• EastEnders first-look pictures reveal Grant's return – and Mitchell family reunion after 10 years
• EastEnders reveals Vicki and Zack's blackmailer in early BBC iPlayer release - and it's not who you'd expect

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