BBC Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Kerry Barrett 25 Apr 2026, 09:04 By Kerry Barrett 25 Apr 2026, 09:04 Fans demand Clare returns to say goodbye to Nigel as his health declines Clare needs closure Clare Bates Nigel Bates Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Kerry Barrett 25 Apr 2026, 09:04 By Kerry Barrett 25 Apr 2026, 09:04 Nigel Bates will peacefully pass away next week, in heartbreaking scenes, but will his stepdaughter Clare get to say goodbye? While we don’t know yet if his bestie Phil Mitchell will be with him when he dies, we’re positive devoted wife Julie will be by his side. But what about Clare? She returned a few weeks ago to spend time with Nigel, but she was shocked by how much he had deteriorated and upset when he called Lexi, Clare. Nigel is slipping away (Credit: BBC) Clare should return, say fans The fans, though, think she should come back once more. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers They shared their thoughts and most viewers agreed it would be good for the daughter to get to say goodbye. And some people pointed out that when she came back recently, everything was chaotic with Nigel in hospital, and Clare struggling to deal with her stepdad’s illness. There was a lot going on the last time Clare visited (Credit: BBC) A sad goodbye “She needs to be able to say goodbye to Nigel,” said one saddened fan. “During her first visit there was too much going on to be able to do that.”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. Others agreed. “I would like Clare to say goodbye to Nigel,” another fan said. While one more viewer added: “Clare needs to say goodbye to her dad.” Tensions were high between Clare and Julie during her last visit, with Clare having behaved badly in the past. And some fans were keen to see a resolution there, too. “I hope she has some good scenes with Phil, Julie, and Grant for closure,” one viewer begged. Clare needs closure (Credit: BBC) Clare will return We were also keen to know if Clare would return, so we did a bit of digging. And we found out that though Clare does not make it back to Walford in time for a sad goodbye with her stepdad, Nigel, she is going to return. In fact, we’ve heard she’ll be coming back for Nigel’s funeral. What a tearjerker that’s going to be! 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 Kerry Barrett 25 Apr 2026, 09:04 By Kerry Barrett 25 Apr 2026, 09:04 Previous Story Next Story
