END OF AN EE-RA Heartbreaking moment EastEnders legend Nigel Bates dies after 34 years following devastating health battle

EASTENDERS viewers will be in tears tonight as longtime character Nigel Bates dies following his devastating battle with dementia.

Over the past 16 months, fans have seen Nigel’s health deteriorate and, in tonight’s instalment, they will say goodbye to the iconic character after 34 years.

After refusing to go and see his best friend in the care home for months, Phil Mitchell finally visits and joins Nigel’s wife Julie in saying goodbye to him.

As he holds his hand and the pair reminisce over their moments over the years with Nigel, a barely conscious Nigel imagines himself on a beach with his best friend.

Clean shaven and healthy, Nigel and Phil are seen sitting in deckchairs as they look out to sea.

It then goes back to the care home as hardman Phil wipes away a tear and tells Nigel: “You’re the best mate I ever had Nige, best mate I’ve ever had. I love ya.”

Back at the beach, Phil says: “I love ya and I’m gonna be okay,” as Nigel hands him his precious keepsake rock.

Phil asks: “I thought you wanted it,” as Nigel admits: “I did, but not for me.” He takes the rock from him and reiterates: “I’m gonna be okay.”

Going back to the present, an emotional Phil expresses: “We’re all gonna be okay. It’s okay, it’s okay for you to go, Nige.”

The healthy Nigel runs towards the water, as it flashes back to a child version of him at the beach and his dad telling him: “Nigel, it’s time to go.”

Nigel breathes his final breath in his bed as his precious rock falls out of his hand. Julie breaks down as Phil gets up to comfort her, holding onto his best pal’s rock for him.

The iconic Julia’s theme plays in the background as the pair cry in each other’s arms.

Actor Paul Bradley first appeared in the BBC One soap back in 1992 until 1998, before returning in 2024.