Nigel Bates is back in Walford for the first time in 26 years as EastEnders viewers got a festive surprise when Phil's friend ...

Nigel Bates has returned to the BBC soap EastEnders for the first time in 26 years in a special Christmas Eve episode. The ...

EASTENDERS fans are speculating about the unexpected return of Nigel Bates, believing there may be a deeper reason tied to ...

EASTENDERS fans are convinced Nigel Bates’ return means one huge soap legend will make a shock comeback after years of ...

Eastenders fans were in for a treat this week, when actor Paul Bradley took up his role as Nigel Bates on the Christmas Eve ...

Also, on this day, returnee Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) pushes struggling old friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) to take ...

Nigel Bates returns to EastEnders for Christmas after 26-year hiatus - Nigel’s back, and producers have revealed he’s got a ...

Nigel, played by Paul Bradley, returns to the soap after almost three decades away, having left in April 1998 with his ...

The EastEnders favourite was last seen in 1998, when he had his happy ending after he falls in love with Claire’s teacher, ...

He is fondly remembered for his romance with Debbie Tyler (Nicola Duffett).

EastEnders aired a blast from the past on Christmas Eve, as Nigel Bates, played by actor Paul Bradley, returned to the BBC ...

Nigel had been rumoured to be one of the classic characters who would be returning to the soap ahead of its 40th anniversary ...