EastEnders viewers 'solve' what's wrong with Nigel as heartbreaking twist 'sealed'
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There could be sad scenes on the way on EastEnders, after a major hint in Tuesday's episode of the BBC soap. Amid Nigel Bates clearly hiding something following his return to Walford last week, after nearly 30 years away, something he said in the latest episode sparked concern. Nigel's comeback has sparked heartwarming scenes with his former best friend Phil Mitchell, with both men struggling.
Nigel recently told Yolande Trueman he was back in Albert Square for "memories", while he told Phil he was hoping to stay for a while after opening up about wanting his old life back amid a split. He said he didn't know who he was anymore and Phil offered support, while he too is hiding his own struggles from loved ones.
Phil is featuring in a loneliness storyline with viewers concerned for him, with him showing signs of depression. He's continued to isolate himself recently, while his resurfaced bond with Nigel has certainly helped him. But something Nigel said to Phil on Tuesday, in fact two comments he made, left fans convinced a new health storyline was on the way for the Walford icon. Nigel called Phil the name of his brother, Grant Mitchell.
He also referred to the pub as the market cellar, which it hasn't been in years. Fans feared that the comments were signs that Nigel has returned to Walford because he may be suffering from dementia. Watching the episode, fans took to X with the theories that Nigel has been diagnosed, or may soon be diagnosed. One viewer said: "A heartbreaking look into what might happen with Nigel in 2025." as another said: "Calling it now, Nigel has dementia. Calling Phil Grant tonight and then his first episode back, he said he returned for the memories.".
