Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) gave us all quite a scare a few weeks ago in EastEnders when he slipped under the water while taking a bath.

Viewers will know that Nigel returned to Albert Square in 2024 and revealed that he had been diagnosed with young-onset dementia.

Since then, his condition has deteriorated, and wife Julie Bates (Karen Henthorn) and best friend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) have been at odds over his care.

It hasn’t been smooth sailing, and things have been tense between them after Julie learnt that Phil had planned on taking Nigel to Portugal without her knowledge.

Julie eventually realised that forgiving Phil would be best for Nigel – unaware that he was sitting on another secret…

Nigel had been offered a place in a care home, and they had 24 hours to accept, but thanks to Phil’s secrecy, Julie had no idea.

Things were looking up for the family as Julie and Nigel celebrated their vow renewal, until Phil took Nigel back to No.55 and helped him into the bath.

However, things took a worrying turn when Phil got distracted by the arrival of Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) and Nigel fell asleep in the bath.

Is Nigel leaving EastEnders and does he die?

Thankfully, Phil reaches him in time to get him to the hospital, though the doctor warns that he very nearly died and will need to stay in under observation until they can be sure there is no fluid in his lungs.

Nigel’s currently recovering in hospital after the terrifying incident. In the middle of all that, a spot opens up for him at a local care home. It’s clear he needs more support now, but it’s not an easy decision for anyone. Phil and Julie eventually put their pride aside and agree that the best place for Nigel to be is in a care home. Julie rings and accepts the position.

Things get tense again between Julie and Phil in upcoming episodes when Nigel keeps asking to see Clare. Phil thinks they should reach out to her, but Julie isn’t having it at first and firmly shuts the idea down. That is, until Lexi Pearce, who Nigel has often mistaken for a young Clare, overhears what’s going on and gently helps Julie see things differently. That’s what finally makes her reconsider.

Although Clare was last seen on the Square in 2008, it’s actually been 27 years since she shared scenes with Nigel, and over time their once-close father-daughter relationship drifted apart.

Clare has no idea that Nigel has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, not until Julie reaches out to her. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, especially with Julie and Phil butting heads over what’s best for Nigel. In the end, though, they both realise the move is necessary.

Though Nigel is still on our screens, there will come a time in the future when his story comes to an end. With his condition deteriorating, an exit is unfortunately on the horizon for Nigel and, given the nature of the storyline, it will be permanent.

It is currently unknown exactly how much longer Nigel will be around, but actor Paul’s return to the square was only ever a temporary one. What we do know is that Nigel will still be around well into 2026, as current Executive Producer Ben Wadey revealed.

‘The continuation of the Phil and Nigel storyline will continue through and give us heart and warmth and realism. ‘It’s gorgeous performances and those relationships see us through further into 2026.’

Nigel’s dementia storyline

Nigel’s arrival in Walford in late 2024 came amid a tough time for Phil, who was battling depression and loneliness. However, it soon became clear that there was more to Nigel’s sudden appearance than he was letting on.

Though he claimed that he had been kicked out by wife Julie, he later confessed that he had left unannounced after receiving his diagnosis, as he didn’t want her to be left caring for him as his condition deteriorated.

Fortunately, they have since reunited, and though things haven’t always been rosy between Julie and Phil, they both clearly want what’s best for Nigel.

Nigel’s diagnosis has had a huge impact on Julie, who recently made the decision to sell their house to pay for Nigel’s care. It has also been tough for Phil, who has gone from friend to carer as Nigel’s condition has progressed.

It has been a difficult road for all involved, which was exactly what EastEnders bosses wanted to show when they took on the storyline.

‘Nigel’s story will explore the challenges faced by people diagnosed with young-onset dementia and their loved ones, which is why working with Dementia UK has been so vital,’ former Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said at the beginning of the story.

‘As Nigel’s story unfolds, viewers will learn more about the decisions he’s made and how he’s coping with such a difficult diagnosis.’