EASTENDERS fans have worked out an explosive affair twist for Phil Mitchell as part of Nigel Bates’ heartbreaking exit storyline.
Viewers have watched as the Walford hardman and teacher Julie have grown closer over their shared responsibility for Nigel amid his battle with dementia.
But now he is in a care home and the day to day care is with professionals, fans are convinced that Phil and Julie are going to fall for each other – and have an affair behind dying Nigel’s back.
One fan wrote: “So obvious Phil and Julie are going to have an affair!
“They’re arguing which is usually the start of a soap romance. Plus it would make an interesting dynamic. Phil falling in love with his Brest friend’s wife.
“Plus Nigel is inevitably going to get worse which will make Julie feel sad that her husband won’t recognise her anymore so turns to someone else for comfort.
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“Phil would have to wrestle with his guilt loving his best mate’s wife!”
This is bound to happen as they can’t stand each other! Soaps like to throw viewers off the scent by making characters hate each other then them eventually getting together.
Another added: “She’s already had one affair, so it wouldn’t be out of character for her to have another.”
However others want them together after Nigel’s death.
One said: “This might be all types of wrong, but what would people think of a Phil/Julie slow burning relationship post Nigel?
“She’s a different type of woman for Phil but strong, she would keep him on a good path and also ground him.
“I think it’d be sweet for them to be bound by Nigel, but then I think why can’t a man and a woman just have a purely platonic friendship and respect for one another.”
Another added: “I wouldn’t mind, depending on how it’s done. It’s not as though friends and spouse never get together after a death or during illness
“I wouldn’t like a scenario where they are sneaking around behind Nigel’s back in the house…but if, once he goes into a home or dies and the seek comfort in each other, that’s no problem. I think they could work as a couple.”
