Warning: The following contains EastEnders spoilers.
Walford fans, be warned, there are some incredibly emotional scenes ahead in EastEnders next week as an iconic character is set to leave.
In what has been one of the BBC’s most heartbreaking storylines, Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) bids farewell.
The sad conclusion will bring to an end Paul Bradley’s year-long return to the Walford soap after a 25-year gap.
“I feel like you’re not telling me everything.” #EastEnders, tonight at 7:30pm on @BBCOne. Watch on @BBCiPlayer. pic.twitter.com/vVGUQl2wuJ
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) April 21, 2026
Fans of the BBC soap will see the beloved character pass away in forthcoming scenes.
As the residents of Albert Square gather to say their goodbyes, Nigel continues to cling to his loved ones.
Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) stages a last-minute return to Walford to say goodbye to his best friend.
Sadly, however, he dies soon after.
Eventually, news of his passing spreads across the Square, as everyone decides they need to do something to celebrate.
Nigel’s wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and his best friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) announce their plans to celebrate Nigel in the wake of their loss, and Julie is taken aback by how quickly the community has come together.
However, a struggling Phil is not able to keep it together, prompting worry from his brother Grant and close pal Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) as Phil struggles to keep it together.
Ross Kemp on returning to EastEnders
As reported by The Metro, Ross, who plays Grant, recently said of his comeback: “As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.”
The news is set to spread shockwaves across Walford as the locals mourn one of their own.
EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 27th April at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer.
Will you be sad to see Nigel go? Let us know in the comments