EASTENDERS actor Karen Henthorn is returning to the soap for the first time since 1998.

The soap star is coming back as Nigel Bates’ wife Julie amid his dementia battle.

However, Nigel walked out on her over a year ago without being honest about his diagnosis.

Next week, she will go up against Nigel’s best pal Phil Mitchell as they row over his care.

Karen said: “Even with the Phil situation, Julie knows that as long as she’s with Nigel – and he knows how much she loves him – that’s what matters.

“They are facing a hard road ahead, but they’ve got each other now.

“Julie loves Nigel more than anyone else, and she’ll go above and beyond to help him. Phil can be as difficult as he wants to Julie, she’s not going anywhere.”

Phil is left furious when Julie reveals she wants to take Nigel back to Scotland with her.

“She’s really angry because Phil knew where Nigel was all this time, and he could have told Julie,” Karen adds.

“She doesn’t understand why he didn’t get in touch with her, and that leads to clashes between them.

“Also, Julie believes Nigel should have as much support as possible, so she doesn’t get why Phil is trying to cut her out.”

Nigel was seen back on EastEnders for the first time in 27 years when he appeared in the 2024 Christmas Eve episode.

The character left the show in April 1998 when he and his adopted daughter Clare fled Albert Square to start a new life in Scotland with his partner Julie Haye and her son Josh.

Actor Paul Bradley said at the time he was “thrilled and honoured” to be back.