BBC Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 3 Mar 2026, 20:03 By Claire Crick 3 Mar 2026, 20:03 Clare Bates returns tomorrow, but her traumatic reunion with Nigel leaves her devastated Julie finally called Clare, but was it the right thing to do? Clare Bates Julie Bates Nigel Bates Phil Mitchell Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 3 Mar 2026, 20:03 By Claire Crick 3 Mar 2026, 20:03 Clare Bates’ return to Walford was perfectly set up in tonight’s EastEnders as Julie left her a voicemail asking her to come and visit Nigel. But when Clare arrives tomorrow, things don’t quite go as planned when she comes face-to-face with her stepdad after all these years. Phil wanted Julie to call Clare (Credit: BBC) Phil begged Julie to do the right thing Tonight’s EastEnders saw Julie still refusing to contact Clare, despite Nigel asking to see her. Phil was adamant that she needed to be told that Nigel was going into a care home and even opened up about his own past. He told Julie that he might not have been perfect when his own mum died, but he wouldn’t have wanted to have missed out on spending time with her for anything. Julie was adamant that Clare only remembers she is Nigel’s stepdaughter when it suits her and stood firm. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Julie Lexi told Phil that Clare has a right to know Nigel was so unwell (Credit: BBC) Lexi got upset about Nigel not seeing Clare in EastEnders Later, Phil took Lexi to the cafe, needing to update her on what is next for Nigel. He knew he had to tread carefully after everything Lexi went through when she lost Lola, but Lexi just wanted the facts. Lexi told her grandad that everyone gave her half information when her mum was ill, but this time around, she wants to know everything. When she asked how long Nigel had left, Phil cautiously told her it could just be a few months.Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your EastEnders newsIt's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news & schedules to share with our community of loyal readers. Click here and tick TVGuide.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search. When Lexi asked if he was sad, Phil told her that of course he was, but that he was mostly cross with Julie. Lexi assumed this was because she wanted Nigel to go into a home, but Phil told her it was because Julie won’t call Clare. Lexi told Julie she had to call Clare (Credit: BBC) Lexi talked some sense into Julie Lexi was furious at the thought of Nigel not getting to see his daughter. She marched over to The Vic to see Julie. Julie defended her decision not to call Clare. But she was left wondering if she was making the right choice when Lexi pointed out she would have been heartbroken if someone had taken away her chance to say goodbye to her mum when she was dying. Given food for thought, Julie went home and finally made the call. When Clare didn’t pick up, she left a voicemail telling her that Nigel wasn’t well. It’s no secret that Clare arrives tomorrow after getting Julie’s message. But was Julie right to hold off from calling Clare? Clare arrives tomorrow, but Nigel doesn’t know who she is (Credit: BBC) The drama continues tomorrow when Clare returns to EastEnders Tomorrow sees Clare arrive at No.55, but it isn’t long before she and Julie are arguing. Phil warns them that there can’t be any drama at the hospital when they see Nigel. But it soon turns out that is the least of their worries. When Clare arrives to see her stepdad, she is devastated when he doesn’t recognise her and gets upset. Later, Clare bonds with Lexi, who has more words of wisdom. She tells Clare she needs to make up with Nigel while she still can. Will Clare listen? What else happened in EastEnders tonight? As well as Julie finally calling Clare, Max's revenge plan played out as Tim made his exit from Walford. Elsewhere, Callum discovered Johnny slept with Tim. Also, Howie got through to Patrick, and Ravi bonded with Mark. Max taught Tim a lesson he won't forget After kidnapping Tim by pretending to be his taxi driver, Max took him to a backstreet. He then locked Tim in the boot of his car and pretended to pour petrol over it, terrifying Tim. Eventually, Max let Tim out, but only after he had promised to pay Johnny the money he owed. After throwing him to the ground and giving him a beating, Max pretended to reverse over Tim with his car before racing off. Johnny confessed to Callum When Callum caught Linda and Johnny arguing over Max kidnapping Tim, Johnny had no choice but to tell his boyfriend everything. Callum was furious at first, but when Johnny told him the details, he realised Johnny hadn't simply cheated. Feeling awful about what Johnny had been through, Callum pointed out that what Tim did was sexual coercion and told Johnny they should go to the police. Johnny didn't want to tell anyone else, but after a long talk, the couple got things back on track. Howie made a breakthrough with Patrick After seeing Kim so down about Patrick and his addiction to AI Anthony, Howie decided to intervene. He went to see Patrick and got through to him, encouraging him to open the box of Anthony's belongings that had been sent from his ex-wife. Eventually, Patrick admitted he knew that the AI version of his son wasn't real and asked them to delete the app. Kim was thrilled, and there was a spark between her and Howie. Ravi bonded with Mark Still worried about the police sting planned for later in the week, Ravi was torn over whether to warn Mark. Priya pointed out that this was a good thing as it would get Mark off their backs if he were arrested. But after sharing a drink with Mark in Harry's Bar, Ravi decided that he had to warn his new friend. However, before he could say too much, Priya arrived. Will Ravi risk everything to save Mark? Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 3 Mar 2026, 20:03 By Claire Crick 3 Mar 2026, 20:03 Next Story
