BBC Share By Joel Harley Dec 23 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 23 2025 'One of the most powerful episodes of EastEnders ever,' say fans as sick Nigel is reunited with Pat, Barry and Debbie Someone pass the tissues Barry Evans Nigel Bates Pat Evans Share By Joel Harley Dec 23 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 23 2025 An ailing Nigel Bates was visited by faces from his past in EastEnders tonight (Tuesday, December 23), as Phil finally realised what must be done about his friend. With Nigel’s dementia symptoms worsening, he imagined conversations between Pat, Barry and Debbie, growing more confused and emotional as his evening progressed. Finally understanding how bad Nigel’s gotten, Phil prepared to break the devastating news. Here’s everything happened in EastEnders tonight. Debbie appeared in Nigel’s time of need (Credit: BBC) Nigel was reunited with faces from his past in EastEnders tonight As Nigel’s trip down memory lane continued, he sat for a warming word from Pat while Barry took to the karaoke machine for a spot of ‘ol blue eyes. Catching up with Barry over a pint afterwards, Nigel watched a young Phil and Grant (played by Daniel Delaney and Teddy Jay, from this year’s flashback episode) wrestling on the floor of The Vic. And, as he conversed with young Phil, Nigel’s sense of confusion grew, and the tone shifted. Now alone with Pat, Barry and Tracy (always a constant), Nigel struggled to decipher between past, present, and what he’d done with Debbie’s Christmas present. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Or should that be Julie? Enter his late wife, Debbie Bates. As he was reunited with his lost love, the pair shared a moving dance on the floor of The Vic. Phil realised that Julie’s right (Credit: BBC) Phil’s epiphany Snapping back to reality, Nigel reawakened to find Julie in his arms instead of Debbie. Growing confused, he became violent – cornering a terrified Julie. His anger only worsened when Phil arrived, coming at him with a bar stool. Handing over Nigel’s Christmas gift to Julie, he returned to the community centre, where the film was still playing. After sending Alfie back to unlock the doors of The Vic, Phil kicked everyone out – taking their laughter at the film as mockery of Nigel. Left alone with the film, Phil came to a sad realisation. Meanwhile, back in The Vic, Julie opened her gift from Nigel. It was a heart-shaped locket, with the inscription ‘remember me. Remember us. Always,’ written on it. Realising he’d been wrong about his promise to Nigel, Phil returned home. After apologising to Julie, he sat down and broke the news to Nigel that they’d be exploring care options. As the pair shared a toastie on the bench in the Square, Nigel too agreed, giving Phil his blessing – whatever happens next. Phil broke the news to Nigel (Credit: BBC) EastEnders fans full of praise as special Nigel episode airs As the episode aired, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on what had just transgressed. And many were in agreement that this one was an episode for the books. “One of the most powerful episodes of EastEnders ever,” commented one fan on Reddit. “Wow, that was the best episode of the year!!!!!!!!” said another. A third agreed: “I’m absolutely sobbing that was incredibly powerful. Ben knocked it out of the park with this one.” “Wow that was a phenomenal episode. Phil, Nigel and Julie all knocked it out of the park and it was amazing to see Pat and Barry again,” said a fourth. Did Nigel’s special episode live up to all the hype? Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Dec 23 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 23 2025 Next Story
