EastEnders star Paul Bradley has given viewers an “upsetting” update ahead of his character Nigel Bates’ dramatic incident.

In scenes set to air next week, Kat begins to worry about her ex Phil, who is currently serving as Nigel’s carer after Nigel was diagnosed with young onset dementia.

Following a terrifying incident in which Nigel almost sets fire to the kitchen, Phil is left badly burned and Kat tells Phil he can’t care for Nigel on his own anymore.

Opening up about the upcoming scenes and what life is like for Nigel right now, Bradley said that his character is “experiencing a slow decline”.

“Things have started to happen that are understandably very confusing for him,” Bradley said, adding: “He often mistakes things in his past for the present day, and his memories are disjointed. When that happens, it is also incredibly upsetting for those around him.”

Speaking about next week’s incident in the kitchen, the soap actor said that Nigel is trying to “live his life as normally as possible” and he “wants to do things to help Phil where he can”.

Asked how Phil ends up getting hurt, Bradley said that Phil has to go out halfway through making a meal and Nigel decides to finish the cooking for him.

Bradley explained: “Unfortunately, he puts a pan on and forgets about it so when Phil returns, there’s a situation that sees them both reaching for the pan, with boiling water being splashed on Phil.”

On how Phil is coping with the pressure of the situation, Bradley said: “Phil is struggling but he doesn’t show it to Nigel – he’s just determined to look after his mate. What Phil is doing is very loving, but it’s quite a challenge.

“However, Phil is one of those people who will take on something difficult and take that responsibility on his shoulders.”