BBC Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 5 Feb 2026, 12:02 By Claire Crick 5 Feb 2026, 12:02 Nigel's fate revealed in early iPlayer episode following deadly cliffhanger Phil and Mark fight to save Nigel's life Julie Bates Nigel Bates Phil Mitchell Share Add as a preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 5 Feb 2026, 12:02 By Claire Crick 5 Feb 2026, 12:02 WARNING: This article is full of spoilers for today’s episode of EastEnders, which is streaming on BBC iPlayer now, but has not yet aired on BBC One – in which Nigel’s fate is confirmed. Nigel is left fighting for his life in EastEnders tonight when Phil finds him unconscious in the bath. Soon, poor Nigel is rushed to hospital, but will he be okay? Julie and Nigel’s vow renewal ended in tragedy yesterday when Phil took his best friend home early from the celebrations. Phil drags Nigel out of the bath and tries to save him (Credit: BBC) EastEnders: Nigel’s fate revealed Things seemed to be looking up for everyone when Julie and Phil smoothed things over. Julie even agreed that she and Nigel should move back in with Phil. And while Julie mingled with the wedding guests, Phil looked after Nigel by running him a bubble bath. However, he then got distracted downstairs by Mark Jr while Nigel fell asleep in the bath upstairs. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers Today’s episode sees Phil still arguing with Mark. It is only when Nigel’s name is mentioned that he remembers his friend upstairs. He is horrified to find Nigel unconscious and underwater in the bath. Panicking, he pulls him out and yells for Mark. The pair try to save Nigel, but when Phil’s CPR doesn’t work, Mark suggests they put him on his side and hit his back so the water comes out. Thankfully, this works, and as Mark calls an ambulance, Phil cradles Nigel in his arms, telling him he thought he’d lost him. Phil saves Nigel’s life (Credit: BBC) Nigel is rushed to hospital Julie races home when Honey reveals there is an ambulance outside Phil’s house. She panics when she sees her husband on a stretcher and demands answers from Phil. But he is still in shock. At the hospital, the doctors manage to stabilise Nigel. However, they point out that this was a near-fatal drowning, and Nigel is in a very fragile state. Initially, Phil keeps the fact that he took his eye off Nigel for more than just a moment to himself. However, after an honest conversation with Linda, he eventually tells Julie the truth. She is surprisingly not cross with Phil, telling him that she knows how hard it is to look after Nigel and that none of this is his fault. He then admits that the care home called with a space, and she is cross that he’s only telling her now. Phil realises it is time for Nigel to go into a home (Credit: BBC) Julie calls the care home Later, Phil points out that he did try to tell her about the care home call, and that he will put things right. Having almost lost Nigel that night, Phil realises that looking after his friend is becoming harder by the day. Even for the two of them. He agrees to call the care home back, much to Julie’s relief. Sitting by Nigel’s bedside, Julie and Phil have an honest conversation about how Nigel has brought them together, and they need to do what is right for him, even if it is the hardest thing. Phil tells Julie he has spoken to the care home and they will be open late, waiting for their call. Julie rings back and tells the manager that she and Phil have made the joint decision to accept the space for Nigel. Having made the decision they never wanted to make, will this be the change that they all need as Nigel’s condition deteriorates? 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 5 Feb 2026, 12:02 By Claire Crick 5 Feb 2026, 12:02 Previous Story Next Story
