NEW HEARBREAKING!!! Walford in mourning as Nigel dies in EastEnders and emotions run very high
We all knew it was coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier: next week will see Nigel Bates pass away.
Nigel’s early onset dementia storyline has been a masterclass in soap storytelling. Born out of an incredibly relatable condition that a painfully large portion of the audience will have had experience with, the emotion hasn’t been confined to Nigel’s suffering, but the enormous impact it’s had on his loved ones, as it would in real life.
Phil Mitchell, a character long defined by gangster plots and blood feuds was completely refreshed by his mental health storyline a couple of years ago that showed, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Steve McFadden deserves his place among the acting elite. He’s been integral to the plots success. As Nigel’s best friend turned carer, Phil’s struggle to realise his own limitations as a care giver and reluctance to hand over control has been spectacularly contrasted by Julie Bates, Nigel’s wife.
Karen Henthorn has played Julie’s pragmatism, at times frayed but never torn, a steady head opposed to Phil’s volcanic emotions. While their contrasting feelings have resulted in conflict, the love they share for Nigel has always been put first.
Paul Bradley’s turn as Nigel has been equal parts devastating and celebratory, as he’s played the brutal reality of dementia without ever stumbling into caricaturist impression. We also were gifted with the heart breaking return of his daughter, Clare (Gemma Bissix).
Ross Kemp, discussing his return for the story’s climax said: ‘What makes it so special and impactful is the performances, particularly by Paul, Karen, and Steve, and that the story has played out in real time.
‘Paul did an amazing job showing the many different layers of how dementia affects a human being, and how it impacts the people around them, and I think that will really resonate with many people.
‘The storyline was the main reason I wanted to come back, and I was delighted when Ben Wadey asked me to return. I felt honoured to be part of something that has been handled so beautifully by EastEnders.’
Next week sees Julie make the absolutely soul destroying decision to withdraw Nigel’s treatment; he’s showing no signs of improvement from his pneumonia and she believes it’s time to make him comfortable.
This comes after Phil is utterly taken aback by the return of his brother, Grant, who’s been summoned back by his son, Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple). When he visits Nigel, he’s bereft to realise just how unwell he truly is. With Phil evidently struggling to manage his grief, Grant sets out to ensure Phil says goodbye to Nigel, having not seen him since he entered the care home.
On their reunion, Ross said: ‘Initially, Grant is very angry with Phil because he believes Phil has been selfish and has abandoned Nigel by placing him in a care home.
Over time, though, he begins to realise that Phil may be struggling himself. Eventually, the brothers sit down and have a heartfelt conversation and clear the air. These scenes were long and intense, and it was brilliant to film them with Steve.’
Grant succeeds, and Phil makes it back in time to wish his best friend good bye, before Nigel finally, and peacefully, slips away.
Returning back to Walford, the residents of Albert Square are planning a celebration of Nigel’s life and while Julie is warmed by their kindness and thoughtfulness, Phil is trapped inside his own head and emotionally raw.