BBC Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 4 Mar 2026, 20:03 By Claire Crick 4 Mar 2026, 20:03 As Nigel goes missing, tomorrow sees a devastating episode dedicated entirely to his dementia battle There won't be a dry eye in Walford tomorrow... Clare Bates Nigel Bates Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 4 Mar 2026, 20:03 By Claire Crick 4 Mar 2026, 20:03 Clare Bates made a dramatic return to EastEnders today, but her reunion with stepdad Nigel didn’t go to plan when he didn’t recognise her before going missing. However, there is more heartache to come when Nigel moves into his care home tomorrow in a very special standalone episode focusing on the next chapter in his dementia storyline. Claire was upset when Nigel didn’t know who she was (Credit: BBC) EastEnders: Nigel got upset when he didn’t know who Clare was Clare returned to Albert Square after hearing Julie’s voicemail, but it soon became apparent there was no love lost between the two women. As the pair argued over Nigel, Phil warned there couldn’t be any drama when they went to the hospital. But it turned out that a tiff with Julie was the least of Clare’s worries. Shocked at how much Nigel had changed, Clare braced herself to reconnect with her stepdad. But when Nigel didn’t recognise her and got angry, Clare was devastated. With his mind now firmly stuck in the past, Nigel thought that Lexi was Clare, leaving his stepdaughter upset at how bad things had got. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Julie and Clare had an honest conversation before Nigel went missing (Credit: BBC) Julie and Clare finally aired their true feelings The truth about why Clare and Julie don’t get on was finally revealed during a heart-to-heart outside the hospital. Julie accused Clare of stealing Debbie’s wedding ring last time she visited Nigel and pawning it for money. Julie said it was the last thing that Nigel had of his late wife’s, and that he had to spend a fortune buying it back from the pawnbrokers. Clare seemed remorseful, but told Julie that she knew she didn’t like her – mainly because she reminded her of Debbie, the love of Nigel’s life.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. Julie said she would never forgive Clare for being a bad stepdaughter, but that Nigel would if she only tried to make amends. Lexi made Clare see she needs to make up with Nigel (Credit: BBC) Nigel went missing in EastEnders Later, Lexi talked to Clare. She told her about losing her mum, Lola, when she was only 10 years old. The same age Clare was when her mum, Debbie, died. Lexi told Clare she would do anything for one more day with her mum. She then pointed out Clare should make up with Nigel while she still could. Lexi showed Clare the video that Lola filmed before she died, and Clare resolved to put things right. But later, when Phil and Julie arrived to take Nigel to his care home, they were stunned to find he had gone missing. Nigel has one last pint at The Vic after going missing in EastEnders (Credit: BBC) The drama continues tomorrow for missing Nigel in EastEnders Tomorrow’s EastEnders sees a very special episode dedicated entirely to Nigel. His next big step will play out as Julie and Phil take him to his care home. After Julie and Phil track missing Nigel down in EastEnders, they are shocked to see Clare has organised a party for her stepdad. Walford residents gather to say their emotional goodbyes to Nigel. But Julie and Clare clash once again over what is best for him. Thankfully, Clare’s old friend Chelsea is on hand to defuse the drama between the warring women. Meanwhile, Yolande supports Julie as they prepare to take Nigel to the home. As they get Nigel settled into his new surroundings, the enormity of what is happening hits everyone hard. Will Nigel be okay? What else happened in EastEnders tonight? As well as Clare and Nigel's reunion not going to plan, Ravi put himself in danger by warning Mark about the police sting. Meanwhile, Howie pulled out all the stops to win Kim back, and Linda thanked Max for sorting out Tim. Mark worked out the truth Knowing Mark would be arrested at the police sting, Ravi was determined to warn his new friend. He met Mark at the location, told him that something didn't feel right, and Mark managed to get away just as the police descended. Mark might have avoided prison, but Ravi's warning put a huge target on his back. Realising how Ravi knew about the sting, Mark called his boss to say he'd found the rat. Howie and Kim reunited Determined to win Kim back, Howie organised a big event at The Albert. After Patrick got the whole family to the bar, Kim was having a great time until Howie arrived on stage, complete with drag queens, and serenaded her. Mortified, Kim ran out, and Howie realised he'd gone too far. The pair had an honest chat, and Kim admitted that flashing the cash was what got them in trouble in the first place. Eventually, they kissed and made up, much to everyone's relief. Sparks flew for Max and Linda Linda thanked Max for getting rid of Tim, and while she didn't want the details, she said she hoped he suffered. Max said he would do anything for her and Annie, which made Linda soften towards him. Before long, they were back to their flirty ways, and sparks flew between the pair once again. 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 4 Mar 2026, 20:03 By Claire Crick 4 Mar 2026, 20:03 Next Story
