Nigel Bates makes Christmas return to Albert Square
Nigel Bates returns to BBC soap EastEnders for a Christmas Eve special for the first time in 26 years.
The character, played by Paul Bradley, appears as a volunteer at the community center where Angela Wynter’s Yolande Trueman works.
Nigel left the show in April 1998, when he and his adopted daughter Claire left Albert Square to start a new life in Scotland with his partner Julie Haye and her son Josh.
“I’m delighted and honored to be back as Nigel,” Bradley said.
“Even though it’s been so long, I still get recognized as Nigel on the street.”
EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said it was “fantastic” to welcome Bradley back.
He also teased: “There are a lot of mysteries about Nigel’s situation and why he’s here alone, which will all be revealed in the coming weeks.”
According to the BBC, Nigel will be reunited with his childhood best friend Phil Mitchell (played by Steve McFadden) on Christmas Day.
Bradley said he enjoyed working with McFadden again.
“I admire his work very much and he sets the bar very high,” he added.
When he first appeared on the show, his character’s biggest storyline was that he fell in love with video store employee Debbie Taylor (played by Nicola Duffett), who was later killed in a hit-and-run accident , and established a friendship with Joan. Brown’s Dot Cotton sees him as the son she never had.
