Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) were left to make some big decisions on Nigel’s (Paul Bradley) future in EastEnders as he prepares to be released from hospital.

Nigel, who is in the advanced stages of dementia, was hospitalised last month after he slipped under the water during a bath when carer and best mate Phil left the bathroom for just a second.

The incident left the former hard-man shaken as he came to the realisation that Julie was right in thinking that the best place for Nigel is in a care home.

Julie has been waiting for an update on a potential spot at a care home and she was pleased to learn on Monday (March 2) that there is now officially a place available.

She relayed the news to Nigel, who wasn’t having a good day as he asked to go home. And soon after, the doctor arrived, hoping to speak to Phil and Julie about Nigel’s future, urging them to contemplate what’s best for the beloved resident.

‘He’s very ill’, said the doctor. ‘Something like [pneumonia] could happen again and each time the body is a little weaker.’

The medical professional said that it would be good for Julie and Phil to ‘have a think’ on what Nigel would want if something like this were to happen again.

‘It may not always be giving him quality of life. If his heart was to stop, would he want us to try and restart it?’

Afterwards, Nigel asked repeatedly to see estranged stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), which left Julie with food for thought.

Phil urged her to get in touch with Clare, who Nigel hasn’t seen in years, but Julie wasn’t even sure about how to track her down. Though it did appear that she knew she must try.

Clare stages a comeback in scenes later this week, almost two decades on since star Gemma Bissix played the role last.

Upon her arrival, she is taken aback by Nigel’s fragility and the reality of his prognosis hits hard.

Before long, however, it becomes clear that her return is of paramount importance as Nigel’s loved ones collectively decide what’s best for him as they enter the next stage of his dementia care.