As Walford celebrates Nigel's life, Julie and Phil make a heartbreaking discovery that changes everything
Could Julie leave now Nigel's gone?
Today’s EastEnders saw Julie and Phil struggling to adapt to life without Nigel. But as the pair said their final goodbyes to him at the care home, could this mean Julie will be leaving the soap?
Life went on for Julie and Phil in EastEnders
A new day arrived in Walford, and as news of Nigel’s death spread around the Square, everyone’s thoughts turned to how they could support Julie and Phil.
As the pair arrived back in the Square, everyone gathered to show how sorry they were about Nigel. While Kat organised some drinks in The Vic to remember Nigel, Lexi suggested they should all watch Nigel’s film together.
Walford residents gathered in the pub, and Julie made a heartfelt speech about how much Nigel loved Albert Square.
She thanked everyone for caring so much about Nigel, and then personally thanked Phil for being the best friend Nigel could have wished for.
But as everyone enjoyed Nigel’s film, there were some surprise outtakes at the end of Nigel and Phil messing around.
Seeing his friend on the big screen was too much for Phil, and he walked out of the pub. Grant followed, worried that he was going to sit in the dark again. But Phil reassured him that he just wanted time on his own.
Phil surprised everyone
Back at the house, Phil saw the photo of Nigel and went to get a lighter from the shelf. He then shocked his family by dragging his armchair out in the Square and setting it on fire.
Everyone was horrified, convinced he was on another downward spiral. But instead, Phil announced that it is what Nigel would have wanted.
Billy and Denise were confused by what he meant, but Grant understood entirely. He knew that Phil meant Nigel wouldn’t want him to sit and wallow in his chair all day – and it was clear that Phil was simply keeping the promise he made to Nigel that he would be okay.
Phil invited everyone inside to celebrate Nigel. As everyone shared stories, Phil put on Nigel’s favourite music. He dared Grant to ‘dance like Nige’, and Grant showed everyone Nigel’s pogo dancing.
Soon, all of Nigel’s loved ones were joining in, and the whole room was filled with laughter, just like Nigel would have wanted.
Is Julie leaving EastEnders?
No, there has been no suggestion that Julie will be saying goodbye to Walford in the coming weeks, despite the fact that Nigel has died.
Spoilers have revealed she is still very much part of life in Albert Square next week when she and Phil face the horrible task of clearing out Nigel’s belongings.
Sam and Phil help Julie clear Nigel’s room at the care home. But Julie is surprised when she finds a letter addressed to her from her late husband.
Worried about what it might say, and struggling with her emotions, Julie can’t bring herself to read it. But what does the letter say, and how will it change Julie’s life going forward?
