BBC Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 23 Dec 2025, 10:12 By Joel Harley 23 Dec 2025, 10:12 All the returning faces as Nigel's special episode drops on BBC iPlayer Nigel takes a trip down memory lane Barry Evans Nigel Bates Pat Evans Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 23 Dec 2025, 10:12 By Joel Harley 23 Dec 2025, 10:12 WARNING: This piece contains spoilers for today’s episode of EastEnders, which is streaming now on BBC iPlayer, but has not yet aired on BBC One – in which Nigel is haunted by ghosts of his Christmas past. Sick Nigel takes a trip down memory lane in EastEnders today (December 23), as his dementia symptoms continue to worsen. Alone in The Vic as last night’s episode ended, Nigel came face-to-face with Pat Evans again. Not bad, given she’s been dead for over ten years. We already know that Barry also makes an appearance in today’s episode… but does EastEnders have any further surprises in store for tonight? Young Phil and Grant appeared in Phil’s own mental health episode earlier this year (Credit: BBC) Who else returns in EastEnders tonight? After sitting down for a conversation with Pat, Nigel joins Barry for a spot of Barreoke – sorry, karaoke. Taking to the bar afterwards, Nigel and Barry chat, as Barry bemoans his lack of luck where women are concerned. Nigel begins panicking about a missing Christmas present – for his wife, Debbie – when they’re interrupted by Phil and Grant, wrestling on the pub floor. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers That’d be Daniel Delaney and Teddy Jay, who viewers might remember from this year’s flashforward episode. Remembering that he’d left his Christmas gift with Phil to look after, Nigel sits down with his friend’s younger counterpart. As Nigel struggles to tell the difference between past and present, young Phil denies any knowledge of Nigel’s present. But there’s another surprise in store… Debbie was Nigel’s first wife (Credit: BBC) Nigel reunited with Debbie in EastEnders tonight As the mood shifts, Nigel reunites with his lost wife Debbie – tragically killed in a car accident in 1995. Finally reunited after all these years, Nigel and Debbie share a tender dance on the floor of The Vic. When he snaps back to reality, Nigel finds himself face-to-face with Julie, who attempts to comfort him. Growing confused, Nigel becomes angry, and corners Julie. Phil enters and attempts to defuse the situation, but Nigel lashes out at him too, charging at his old friend with a bar stool. Nigel then locks himself in The Vic, alone, as his pain and confusion intensifies. Returning to the community centre for the keys to The Vic, Phil kicks everyone out, before coming to a heartbreaking realisation. Meanwhile, Julie lets herself back into The Vic, where she manages to talk Nigel down before receiving his Christmas gift – a locket with a message inside, just for her. After the events of the day, Phil returns home, where he admits to Julie that she’s right, and Nigel needs help. He then breaks the news to an understanding Nigel that he and Julie need help with his care. 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 Joel Harley 23 Dec 2025, 10:12 By Joel Harley 23 Dec 2025, 10:12 Previous Story Next Story
