BBC Share By Joel Harley Nov 17 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 17 2025 Nigel's first wife Debbie needs to return for Christmas special, fans demand The soap will dedicate a special episode to Nigel EastEnders Christmas Nigel Bates Share By Joel Harley Nov 17 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 17 2025 EastEnders fans have demanded that Nigel’s first wife ‘return’ this Christmas, following news that Pat and Barry Evans will be back for a special episode of the soap. But does the soap have any other faces from Christmas past in store for Nigel? With viewers predicting that there are still a few surprises yet to come, they’ve wondered whether Nigel’s first love, Debbie Bates, could reappear in Nigel’s time of need. Might Nigel be reunited with his dearly departed wife? Debbie was Nigel’s first wife (Credit: BBC) Nigel’s first wife need to return for Nigel special, EastEnders fans demand Reacting to the news of Pat and Barry’s ‘return,’ fans shared their thoughts on who might be next. And some wondered if a return of Debbie Bates might be on the cards. “No offence to Julie, but I think Debbie was the love of Nigel’s life. We know there are guest stars and cameos coming, for Nigel’s likely death scenes, but will Debbie aka Nicola Duffett be amongst them?” asked one fan on a Reddit thread. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “Makes a lot of sense given who else seems to be appearing,” another agreed. “Debbie and Clare should be back, resurrected for Nigel’s storyline,” said a third, via X. “This episode is going to be everything. Ready and waiting for Tiffany and Debbie next,” said another. With Nigel’s mental state taking him back to 1995, a return from Debbie isn’t beyond the realm of possibility – although it’s worth noting that she died in the summer of 1995, while this episode takes place (if only in Nigel’s imagination) months later, at Christmas. Barry will join Pat as Nigel takes a trip down memory lane (Credit: BBC) Soap announces special Nigel episode The soap revealed plans for its special episode last week, with the news that Pat Evans will be ‘returning’ to EastEnders. This comes as Nigel screens his Christmas film in The Vic, with friends and neighbours all gathering to watch. As Nigel grows emotional, his dementia symptoms take hold, and he pictures himself back in The Vic in the 1990s. He’s joined there by Barry and Pat Evans, who appear as his condition worsens. But who else waits for Nigel in his mind’s eye? 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 Nov 17 2025 By Joel Harley Nov 17 2025
