BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 20 May 2026, 11:05 By Claire Crick 20 May 2026, 11:05 EastEnders fans 'devastated beyond belief' as iPlayer episode confirms shocking exit for beloved character Walford is losing another iconic character... Julie Bates Nigel Bates Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 20 May 2026, 11:05 By Claire Crick 20 May 2026, 11:05 WARNING: This article is full of spoilers for today’s EastEnders episode, which is streaming on BBC iPlayer now but has not yet aired on BBC One, and sees Julie make a shock announcement. Today’s EastEnders sees Nigel’s funeral get underway. But as Walford prepares to say goodbye to a legend, it seems there is another goodbye on the horizon as Julie announces she is leaving Walford. The Mitchells say goodbye to Nigel today (Credit: BBC) Nigel’s funeral descends into Mitchell chaos As Julie struggles to find the right words for her eulogy, Phil is also in his own world of heartache as he faces saying goodbye to his best friend. But as always with the Mitchells, there is drama just around the corner. Grant, Phil and Vicki quickly realise that Mark is missing, oblivious to the fact that he was kidnapped the night before by Russell. While Grant wants to go and find Mark immediately, Phil is adamant that they have Nigel’s funeral to attend first. However, when Russell rings with fresh demands, the Mitchells know they have to act fast. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Already in the hearse with Nigel’s coffin, Grant, Phil, Sam, and Billy take a detour to Hackney to save Mark – taking Nigel with them for ‘one last boys’ trip’. There is a tense standoff with Russell and his men, which Sam manages to defuse with some quick thinking. Soon, they are heading back to the church, his time with a bloodied and bruised Mark in tow. Julie is relieved to see the hearse arrive, and everyone gathers in the church to give Nigel the send-off he deserves. After Julie reads her emotional tribute to Nigel, there is a surprise twist when Grant and Phil also get up to say a few words about their friend.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. Nigel gets the heartfelt send-off that he deserves (Credit: BBC) Julie makes a shock announcement The funeral is a fitting celebration of Walford’s most-loved resident, and everyone piles back to Phil’s house for the wake. But when Phil and Julie manage to find a moment of quiet together, Julie drops a bombshell. Phil points out that Julie is ‘one of them’ now, whether she likes it or not, and says he hopes she is sticking around in Walford. But she has some news. Julie tells Phil she is moving back to Scotland, as that’s where her happiest memories of Nigel are. Clearly devastated, Phil struggles to put on a brave face. Thankfully, Sam saves the moment by whisking Phil away for a Mitchell family meeting. Phil and Julie have a heart-to-heart (Credit: BBC) EastEnders fans are heartbroken over Julie While fans have praised EastEnders for giving Nigel the perfect send-off today, they’re heartbroken that Julie is leaving. Viewers took to social media to share their upset that Walford is losing another heritage character… “What do you mean Julie is leaving? Noooooo!” said one fan on X. While another agreed: “I can’t believe we are losing Julie. Hope she returns again soon, and permanently.” Someone else added: “I’m actually devastated beyond belief that we are losing Julie.” A fourth fan praised Karen Henthorn, who has played Julie to perfection since she reprised the role last summer. “I’m devastated that we are about to lose Julie Bates. Karen Henthorn is a phenomenal actress, and Julie had so much potential to stay on the Square full-time. Especially with Phil claiming she’ll always be part of the family!” 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 20 May 2026, 11:05 By Claire Crick 20 May 2026, 11:05 Previous Story Next Story
