BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Jul 15 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 15 2025 Who is Julie Bates on EastEnders and what else has actress Karen Henthorn been in? Julie's back for Nigel Features Nigel Bates Share By Joel Harley Jul 15 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 15 2025 Tonight’s episode of EastEnders sees the return of Julie Bates to EastEnders, arriving in Walford in search of estranged husband Nigel. Julie comes back onto the scene after being called by a worried Jay Brown, who grew concerned after learning how Nigel abandoned her. Viewers may well recognise Julie from her prior appearances on the soap – not to mention the actress’ other hit UK TV programmes. But what else has she been in? And where has Julie been for all this time? Here’s all you need to know about woman of the moment Julie Bates. Julie’s coming back for Nigel (Credit: BBC) Who is Julie Bates on EastEnders? Julie Bates (formerly Haye) is the estranged wife of Nigel Bates. Julie first appeared in Walford in 1997,as the teacher of Nigel’s daughter, Clare. After making Nigel aware that his adoptive daughter was associating with a gang of school bullies, the pair struck up a friendship and soon developed feelings for each other. Although Nigel initially felt guilty for getting with Julie after the death of previous wife Debbie, the pair pursued their romance, ultimately leaving Walford to start a new life together in 1998. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers As well as adoptive daughter Clare, she is the mother of a son of her own, Josh Saunders (played by S Club 7 star Jon Lee!). Who plays Julie on EastEnders? Julie is played by veteran actress Karen Henthorn. The 62-year-old star of stage and screen began working in 1989, on the CITV soap opera Children’s Ward. Since then, she has gone on to appear in some of Britain’s biggest TV shows – including EastEnders, Shameless and rival soap Coronation Street. Karen is reprising her role after 27 years (Credit: BBC) When was Julie last on EastEnders? Julie last appeared in Walford in 1998 – 27 years ago. She briefly reprised the role in January, making a voice cameo as Nigel listened to a message from his worried wife. Of her return to EastEnders, Julie said: “It’s very surreal to be back in Albert Square after 27 years and working with the delightful Paul Bradley again – it’s scary how fast the time has gone! Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive. It’s been great to film with Paul and Steve (McFadden), who are such lovely actors, as Julie discovers Nigel’s dementia diagnosis and why he chose to hide it from her.” Nigel walked out on his wife so as not to be a ‘burden’ (Credit: BBC) Where has Julie been? As Jay learned last night, Julie has been desperately searching for Nigel ever since he disappeared. Quite why she never called the police nor why she never bothered to check back in Walford is unclear, but she’s been worried sick about Nigel. Nigel, too, hasn’t forgotten about Julie. Opening up to Phil and Yolande, Nigel revealed how he’d walked out on Julie so as not to be a burden. However, if the pictures in his wallet and on the fridge are anything to go by, she remains very dear to his heart. Why did Julie and Nigel leave EastEnders? Julie and Nigel left Walford together in 1997 to start a new life in Scotland. They’ve remained there, living happily, in the years since. However, with Nigel’s dementia diagnosis came the fear that his wife would end up being his carer. Wanting to protect himself and Julie, he walked out without saying a word. Upon returning to Walford, he reconnected with Phil, with whom he’s remained ever since. But for how much longer? Star Karen was on Coronation Street for three years (Credit: ITV) What else has actress Karen Henthorn been in? Outside of EastEnders, Karen has also appeared on rival ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Her work also includes episodes of Silent Witness, Shameless, The Bill, Holby City and Casualty. More recently, she has also starred in the BBC sci-fi Listeners, in two episodes of the prison drama Time, and in a 2023 episode of Vera. Who did Karen Henthorn play on Coronation Street? Karen played Teresa Bryant on Coronation Street from 2007 to 2010. During her tumultuous time in Weatherfield, Teresa moved in with the Morton family to look after sick ex-husband Jerry – keeping him sick by secretly feeding him pills in his coffee. Teresa stuck around after Jerry left, embarking on a romance with local cabbie Lloyd Mullaney. She left The Cobbles for a life in Spain in 2010, and no-one has seen or heard from her since. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Jul 15 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 15 2025
