BBC Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 27 Feb 2026, 13:02 By Claire Crick 27 Feb 2026, 13:02 Is Paul Bradley leaving EastEnders? All we know as Nigel goes into a care home It's not looking good for poor Nigel Nigel Bates Phil Mitchell Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 27 Feb 2026, 13:02 By Claire Crick 27 Feb 2026, 13:02 Tragedy loomed for poor Nigel at the start of February after he fell asleep in the bath, leaving fans wondering whether Paul Bradley, who plays Nigel, is leaving EastEnders. Now, Nigel’s place at the care home is ready, which means the character will be leaving Albert Square. But is this the last we will see of Nigel on screen completely? Here is everything you need to know… Nigel and Julie’s ceremony was a happy occasion (Credit: BBC) Nigel’s hospital dash Nigel and Julie’s wedding day didn’t go to plan at the start of February when what should have been a perfect day turned into a nightmare. After exchanging vows, Julie stayed to speak to their guests while Phil took Nigel home. However, as Phil ran Nigel a bubble bath, he got distracted by Mark Jr and completely forgot about Nigel upstairs. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers What he didn’t realise was that Nigel had not only got into the bath by himself, but he had fallen asleep and was slipping under the water. Thankfully, Phil found Nigel at the last moment, saving his life. Nigel has been in the hospital recovering ever since. Phil ran a bath for Nigel (Credit: BBC) Nigel goes into a care home Clare is set to return next week to see her step-dad, marking the start of a big week for Nigel.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. Not only does his care home place become available, meaning he can leave the hospital and move in. But he is also given a huge send-off from his friends in Walford. After reuniting with Clare, Nigel goes back to Albert Square, where the locals rally around, putting on a party at The Vic for him. But while everyone fusses around Nigel, Clare and Julie argue about what is best for him. Eventually, it is Chelsea and Lexi who make the pair see sense, and by the end of next week, they help him move into his new home. However, the enormity of what is happening is huge for everyone. Will Nigel settle in okay? Claire and Nigel are reunited (Credit: BBC) Is Paul Bradley leaving EastEnders? No, there has been no word from EastEnders or Paul Bradley to suggest he is going to be leaving the soap within the immediate future Paul arrived back on our screens as Nigel on Christmas Eve 2024, and the character has been through a tough time. Since coming back, Nigel has been living with dementia, with Phil promising to care for him. Nigel’s wife Julie arrived in the soap in July 2025. She has been working with Phil to look after Nigel ever since. 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 27 Feb 2026, 13:02 By Claire Crick 27 Feb 2026, 13:02 Previous Story Next Story
