BBC Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 4 Feb 2026, 20:02 By Claire Crick 4 Feb 2026, 20:02 Is Paul Bradley leaving EastEnders? All we know as Nigel's life hangs in the balance It's not looking good for poor Nigel Nigel Bates Phil Mitchell Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 4 Feb 2026, 20:02 By Claire Crick 4 Feb 2026, 20:02 Tragedy loomed for poor Nigel in today’s episode after he fell asleep in the bath, leaving fans wondering whether Paul Bradley, who plays Nigel, is leaving EastEnders. The heartbreaking moment struck when Phil brought Nigel home early from his vow renewals. However, he got distracted by Mark Jr while his best friend went for a soak. But will Nigel be okay? Julie and Nigel’s day got off to a positive start (Credit: BBC) From the perfect day to a perfect nightmare Nigel’s day got off to a brilliant start, with him excited to renew his vows with Julie. While Phil was worried the ceremony would be too much for Nigel, he was adamant he wanted to go ahead. Julie was thrilled when Nigel arrived, ready to say his vows. And despite a wobble where Phil had to step in and help, the whole thing went perfectly. As Julie stayed to speak to their guests, Nigel asked Phil to take him home. However, when Phil told Julie he would take Nigel to the B&B, she suggested they move back in with him. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Phil was happy to have his friend back under his roof again. With his feud with Julie finally behind him, it seemed things were finally looking up for everyone. However, as always, there was drama just around the corner. Nigel and Julie’s ceremony was a happy occasion (Credit: BBC) Danger lurked for Nigel As Phil ran Nigel a bubble bath, he got distracted by Mark arriving home with all of Julie’s bags. Telling Nigel not to move until he got back, Phil went downstairs. However, Julie arrived, and Phil wanted to talk to her about the call from the care home. But Julie stopped him, telling Phil she didn’t want to think about that today after such a nice afternoon. As Julie went back to the party, Mark commented that it was a good job Phil didn’t go to Portugal and that he had done him a favour. Realising this meant Mark was the one who told Julie about his plans to take Nigel abroad, Phil got cross, completely forgetting about Nigel upstairs. What he didn’t realise was that Nigel had not only got into the bath by himself, but he had fallen asleep and was slipping under the water. Phil ran a bath for Nigel (Credit: BBC) Is Paul Bradley leaving EastEnders? No, there has been no word from EastEnders or Paul Bradley to suggest he is going to be leaving the soap within the immediate future Paul arrived back on our screens as Nigel on Christmas Eve 2024, and the character has been through a tough time. Since coming back, Nigel has been living with dementia, with Phil promising to care for him. Nigel’s wife Julie arrived in the soap in July 2025. She has been working with Phil to look after Nigel ever since. The drama continues tomorrow Tomorrow will reveal the outcome of Nigel’s drama. However, it remains to be seen if this is a tragic end for him, or if Phil can save his best friend before it’s too late. What else happened in EastEnders tonight? As well as Nigel's potentially tragic demise looming, there was also drama when Patrick went to visit Zoe in prison. Honey got suspended from work following her email to Suki, and Barney grilled Nicola and Harry about Nugget's attack. Patrick demanded answers Despite Kat's pleas not to go, Patrick went to see Zoe in prison, looking for answers about Anthony. Zoe tried to tread carefully as she told Patrick about his son's nasty side, revealing what really happened the night Antony died. Patrick didn't like what he heard, but seemed to get some closure at last. However, as he left, he accidentally made a comment about Jasmine that made Zoe worry. Has he put his foot in it? Honey found herself out of a job Honey woke up with the hangover from hell, oblivious to the catastrophic email she sent to Suki the previous night. It was only when she ran into Suki that she remembered what she had written down, and was devastated when Suki suspended her on the spot. Is this all part of Bea's sinister plan? Barney got closer to the truth After overhearing Priya and Ravi blaming Nicola and Harry for Nugget's attack, Barney wanted answers. He eventually cornered his mum and brother at the bar and asked for their version of events. Of course, they denied all knowledge, but despite their promise that they were telling the truth, Barney didn't believe them. He went to see Avani, hoping she might know something about the night Nugget was attacked. She was clueless... but Nugget overheard the whole thing and became convinced the Mitchells are hiding something. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Add as a preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 4 Feb 2026, 20:02 By Claire Crick 4 Feb 2026, 20:02 Next Story
