EastEnders character Nigel Bates returns after decades away from Square and is unrecognisable
EastEnders fans were in for a surprise when a beloved character unexpectedly made an appearance on their screens after more than two and a half decades. Fans could not believe their eyes as Nigel Bates, a series favourite, returned to their screens once more.
Nigel Bates made his series debut in 1992 and was played by Paul Bradley. He soon became a favourite on the show and known for his over the top and extravagant shirts and ties.
The character went through his shares of ups and downs after moving into the square after his mother’s death. He also has a romance with Debbie Tyler, played by Nicola Buffet, eventually marrying her before she tragically died in a hit and run accident. Nigel ends up adopting Debbie’s daughter Claire after Debbie’s passing.
READ MORE: DWP update as plans to merge two major benefits confirmed
The EastEnders favourite was last seen in 1998, when he had his happy ending after he falls in love with Claire’s teacher, Julie Haye (played by Karen Henthorn), and leaves the square to go to Scotland with her. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter
However, after 26 years— the beloved character has returned, although looking like he has had some tough times. On Christmas Eve's episode Yolande Trueman (played by Angela Wynter), a Walford resident, was going to the community centre’s soup kitchen when she came across Nigel Bates, who despite his happy ending looked completely different.
Fans were left bewildered at this sudden appearance, and shared their excitement on X. Some of these were:
Since leaving EastEnders', Paul Bradely has appeared in The Pianist, Doctors, My Family, Twisted Tales, Holby City, and more.
