BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025 EastEnders fans predict Phil and Julie romance after Nigel dies Enemies to lovers? Julie Bates Nigel Bates Phil Mitchell Share By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025 EastEnders fans have predicted that romance may be on the cards for Phil Mitchell and Julie Bates following their scenes on the soap this week. Julie arrived on the scene after being called by Jay last week, informing her that missing husband Nigel had absconded to Walford. Arriving on Albert Square, Julie learned about Nigel’s dementia diagnosis, and that he was now living with old friend Phil Mitchell. Assuring him that he’d never be a burden, Julie tried to take Nigel home to their own life in Scotland, bidding Phil goodbye as she won their little tug-of-war. However, Julie’s plans didn’t come to pass quite so easily, and she and Nigel returned to Walford this week. Phil and Julie have clashed over Nigel’s care (Credit: BBC) Julie returned to Walford as Nigel went missing Julie arrived back in Walford on Monday, informing a shocked Phil that Nigel had run away during their journey back to Scotland. He’d slipped away while she went for a pee at Edinburgh train station, determined to get back to Phil and the new life they’d built. Thankfully, Nigel didn’t stay missing for long, and Callum found him in a tizz at Walford tube station. When they returned to Phil, Nigel informed him and Julie that he wanted to stay there, leaving Julie devastated and ready to leave. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers However, Phil offered an olive branch, and told Julie that she was welcome to stick around with him and Nigel. New living arrangement sorted, Julie agreed to move in – although she soon clashed with Phil over their ideas of what’s best for Nigel. A fry up for breakfast? Every day?! The pair made peace last night, with Phil deciding to make more of an effort just as she gifted him a packet of (organic) bacon. And, in these scenes, fans think they spotted a future spark for Phil and Julie… Phil started to warm to Julie last night (Credit: BBC) EastEnders fans predict Phil and Julie romance Taking to social media as last night’s scenes aired, fans shared their thoughts on Phil and Julie’s blossoming relationship. And, amid the bickering and the potshots, some think they spotted a future romance on the horizon. “Why do i kinda want phil and julie endgame. like maybe they grow closer after nigel dies there’s potential there i think,” wrote one fan on X. “You think so too? Cause I can see the spark between the two and I think she reminds Phil of Shirley,” another responded. “I love this set-up so much. Could really imagine a frenemies to something more post-Nigel for Julie and Phil,” said a third. Could EastEnders be setting up a future romance for Phil and Julie? But what would this mean for her marriage, and his friendship with Nigel? 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 Jul 23 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 23 2025
