There’s concern brewing on Albert Square next week as Lexi suddenly claims she’s feeling unwell, leaving Callum worried there could be more going on than she’s letting on.

Life has changed drastically for those closest to Nigel Bates since he moved into a care home, and everyone is dealing with the emotional fallout in their own way. While some are trying to stay positive, others are finding it far harder to adjust.

One person struggling the most is Phil Mitchell. Even though he knew it was the right decision to move Nigel into full-time care as his dementia worsens, Phil can’t shake the feeling that he’s somehow abandoned his old friend.

As a result, he’s been avoiding visiting the care home altogether. Nearly a week after Nigel’s move, Phil still hasn’t been to see him, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by those around him.

Instead, Phil throws himself into supporting his sister, Sam Mitchell, who is currently undergoing radiotherapy following surgery for breast cancer. Hoping to be there for her, Phil offers to accompany Sam to one of her hospital appointments.

But their plans are soon interrupted when Callum Highway arrives with Lexi Pearce, and she has something important on her mind.

Lexi has been missing Nigel terribly. Over time, the youngster built a particularly close bond with him and was even instrumental in helping mend fences between Nigel and his daughter when she came back into his life.

With Phil unavailable, Callum steps in and takes Lexi to the care home alongside Julie so she can see Nigel for herself.

Thankfully, the visit goes well. Nigel appears to be in relatively good spirits, and Lexi is relieved to see that his room has been filled with photographs and memories from his life in Walford.

It’s an emotional reunion as Nigel spends time with his loved ones, though Phil’s absence hangs heavily in the air. While he has a genuine reason for not being there, there’s a sense that Julie had hoped he would make the effort.

Afterwards, Callum, Julie and Lexi return to the Square, and the visit initially seems to lift Lexi’s mood. However, it soon becomes clear she’s more upset about Nigel’s condition than she’s willing to admit.

The following day, Lexi suddenly claims she’s feeling ill and doesn’t want to go to school.

But Callum quickly begins to suspect something isn’t quite right. It becomes clear this isn’t the first time Lexi has tried to dodge school recently, and he realises her supposed illness may actually be her way of coping with everything that’s going on.

Determined to tackle the issue head-on, Callum calls her out. He gently tells Lexi that he understands she’s dealing with a lot emotionally, but warns her that if she keeps missing lessons, he’ll have no choice but to take her to see the doctor.

In reality, Lexi simply wants to spend more time with Phil and Sam instead of facing the outside world.

With Nigel settling into his new life at the care home and the people closest to him struggling to come to terms with the change, emotions are running high across the Square.