As Pat Evans 'returned' to EastEnders tonight, Nigel's trip down memory lane continues tomorrow
Pam St. Clement has reprised her most iconic role
Pat Evans returned to EastEnders tonight (Monday, December 22), as Nigel’s dementia symptoms drastically intensified. Fleeing the scene as his film screening went awry, Nigel took refuge in the closed Queen Vic… where faces from his past await.
This came as Phil and Julie bickered over Nigel’s future. Still nursing a black eye from Nigel, Julie was convinced that Nigel needs caring for by professionals… putting her at odds with Phil.
Here’s everything that happened in EastEnders tonight.
Nigel’s film premiere ended in disaster
It was the day of Nigel’s film screening, and Phil tried to support his pal. Back home, Phil walked in on Julie as she took a call from the care home regarding options from Nigel.
Still nursing a bruise from last week, she was worried he’d lash out again, hurting himself or another. As they continued to debate whether or not they should let Nigel go, Phil managed to get her on side.
Later, as Nigel dressed for his film screening, disaster struck again when Nigel suffered a little accident – wetting himself in the britches of his new tuxedo.
That evening, the family arrived at the community centre for Nigel’s film screening. After an introduction from director Lexi (minus Jay, who’s got a new girlfriend, apparently), Nigel took to the stage, where he began reading his prepared speech.
However, disaster struck again when he began to struggle. Julie joined him on the stage and helped him through – which is when he noticed the black eye on her face.
Pat returned in EastEnders tonight
Realising he had been responsible for Julie’s bruises, Nigel grew upset and rushed out. As Phil and Julie gave chase, Nigel overheard them arguing about care packages.
Telling them that he needed to be alone, Nigel ushered Julie and Phil indoors before trying to score himself a taxi from Pat and Barry’s firm. This, he was unsuccessful in – and so he walked into The Vic, where he came face-to-face with the one and only Pat Evans herself.
Nigel reunited with Barry and Pat in EastEnders spoilers for tomorrow
Nigel’s reunion continues in EastEnders tomorrow (Tuesday, December 23) when he also joins Barry for a spot of barryoke – sorry karaoke – while Pat looks on. As Nigel struggles to decipher between past and present, Phil and Julie launch a search party outside.
Meanwhile, Phil, after being left alone with Nigel’s film, comes to a heartbreaking realisation about his friend’s future. He and Julie find Nigel in The Vic, where they prepare to break the news that they’ll have to seek further care as his dementia symptoms worsen.
How will Nigel react?
Why Waterloo Road fans should prepare for March 9, 2026
Tonight (January 27), the last two episodes of Waterloo Road's latest series will air on BBC One (but you've probably binged the lot already).
It's already been renewed for two more series, and with production moving to a new filming location (a large office building in Trafford Park), the show isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
So, why is March 9 so important? Well, it could be an exciting day – especially if you've followed Waterloo Road since the beginning.
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Who else could return to mark the 20th anniversary? (Credit: BBC)[/caption]
March 9, 2026, is Waterloo Road's 20th anniversary
March 9, 2026, will mark exactly 20 years since the first episode of Waterloo Road aired on BBC One in 2006.
That means it's been nearly 20 years since Waterloo Road's first headteacher – the short-lived Brian Vaisey – had a mental breakdown and paved the way for Jack Rimmer to take charge.
Think about everything that's happened since then. Staff have died (though fans want Tom Clarkson to come back), we've lost students, and we've had nine headteachers. The school even moved to Scotland.
Fun fact: series 1 episode 1 took place on October 18, 2025, so we've already passed its earlier (but unofficial) anniversary.
If nothing else, this can be a good excuse to start the show from scratch again on iPlayer. But what if there was something else to look forward to?
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Janeece appeared early in the revival and is expected to return (Credit: BBC)[/caption]
Is anything planned for March 9?
No Waterloo Road events have been confirmed for March 9. Yet, fans are convinced the BBC will mark the occasion in some way.
Chelsee Healey is rumoured to reprise her role as Janeece in series 18. Perhaps the show's social media accounts officially announce her return, but this remains to be seen.
It's also been a while since we've seen Kim and Andrew. With Jack and Steph back, could it be that the show is plotting a super-reunion for the next series? Perhaps we could get a tease on March 9?
"We need to see Rachel Mason, bring Andrew and Kim back to see Jack, we might as well reunite the whole original cast at this point. Make it one big reunion party," one fan wrote on Reddit.
"I feel like they’ll release a special extended episode or double bill on March 9," another speculated.
Read more: When Waterloo Road series 18 is expected to be released
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0m0j2CRZJo[/embed]
