Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) has made an unannounced return to EastEnders after 26 years in tonight’s episode. The character appeared between 1992 and 1998, though hasn’t been seen since. It was first reported earlier this month that actor Paul Bradley would be reprising his role ahead of the 40th Anniversary celebrations next year.
![[Paul Bradley as Nigel Bates and Nicola Duffett as Debbie Tyler in EastEnders]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AD_139771138-a8c2.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The event will be marked by yet another live edition, which will hand the viewers the power to decide the outcome of a romance storyline. We were in for quite a shock in tonight’s episode when he was seen at the community centre soup kitchen with Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter), who had rediscovered her faith following an emotional meeting with the other survivors of Pastor Clayton’s (Howard Saddler) abuse.
![[Nigel Bates played by Paul Bradley and Peggy Mitchell played by Barbara Windsor in EastEnders]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IP_228309-dfca.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
With Nigel making such a surprise return, and it apparent that he has lost his way since then, you may be wondering what he was up to last time he lived in Walford. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video.
![[Elliot Hope in Holby City]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AD_75635277-7e5a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Up Next. Luckily, Metro has all the answers!. Nigel is an old school friend of Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp). He first arrived in Albert Square 32 years ago, and lodged with Dot Cotton (June Brown) – striking up an unlikely friendship with the god-fearing, chain-smoking icon.
