BBC Share By Joel Harley Dec 2 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 2 2025 Debbie Bates' return to EastEnders confirmed ahead of Nigel's special episode Debbie died in a hit-and-run Nigel Bates Share By Joel Harley Dec 2 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 2 2025 Debbie Bates will return to EastEnders for Nigel’s special episode of the soap, actor Shaun Williamson has revealed. Debbie was Nigel’s first wife, and the mother of his estranged stepdaughter, Clare. Played by actress Nicola Duffett, Debbie joined the soap in 1993, and they were married a year later. Sadly, Nigel’s happy ending wasn’t to last – she died in a hit-and-run in 1995, leaving Nigel devastated. Death isn’t always the end though, and with the late Pat and Barry Evans set to ‘return’ as Nigel’s dementia symptoms worsen this month, so they will be joined by Nigel’s first wife, Debbie. Debbie was Nigel’s first wife (Credit: BBC/YouTube) Shaun Williamson confirms Debbie Bates’ return to EastEnders News of Debbie’s return came via Shaun Williamson, who plays Barry on the soap. Sharing details of his own return to Walford, Shaun told The Sun: “It is in an empty pub but, in Nigel’s mind, it’s full of his old mates and there’s a karaoke going on.” It was then that he appeared to confirm that Debbie will also be back. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Shaun continued: “It was just Nigel, Pat and his ex-wife, Debbie, who was played by Nicola Duffett. It was just great to be back working with these fabulous actors again.” The BBC will air Debbie, Barry and Pat’s return later this month, as Nigel celebrates the release of his festive film. Shaun Williamson will reprise his role as Barry Evans (Credit: BBC) Why did Debbie leave the soap? According to Nicola, the character was axed at her own request. She told The Mirror readers: “I begged to be killed. I ran to the script editor’s office. Every time I see him at a party he says, ‘I’ll never forget you.’ Because I ran in crying, ‘Kill me NOW! I can’t stand it.” And why? “Because the part was so boring. I played this simpering wimp, Debbie. All I did was walk into the Vic and say, ‘Where’s Nigel?'” While she has no regrets about leaving the soap, that doesn’t seem to have stopped her for reprising the role, for Nigel’s sake. 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 2 2025 By Joel Harley Dec 2 2025 Previous Story Next Story
