The latest EastEnders spoilers reveal that one beloved character will meet their devastating end in emotional scenes
EastEnders legend Nigel Bates is poised to face a heartbreaking finale next week as Grant Mitchell makes his comeback.
In recent instalments of the BBC One drama, Nigel’s (portrayed by Paul Bradley) condition has been swiftly worsening after receiving a dementia diagnosis.
Last week, he was also struck down with pneumonia, leaving his spouse Julie (Karen Henthorn) extremely worried, though his mate Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) has neglected to visit him at the residential facility.
But on Monday (April 27), Grant (Ross Kemp) touches down in Albert Square after his lad, Mark Fowler JR (Stephen Aaron-Sipple), alerted him to Nigel’s alarming state.
Grant immediately reconnects with his sister, Sam (Kim Medcalf), and all three Mitchell siblings gather at No. 55, though their get-together doesn’t go according to plan, reports OK!.
Meanwhile, Nigel’s condition keeps getting worse, and when he displays no signs of recovery, Julie concludes it’s time to make him comfortable and cease his medical care.
She tells Grant about her choice as Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) tries to persuade Phil to visit Nigel, but gets ejected when Phil battles to control his sorrow.
In a surprising turn, Grant sits beside his boyhood pal Nigel’s bedside, where Nigel suddenly stirs and asks for something from his history. But what could it be?
Subsequently, Billy and Mark head to Phil’s to attempt to convince him to see Nigel, but are stunned to discover the property deserted.
Convinced he knows Phil’s whereabouts, Grant reaches a beach. As he draws near, Julie rings, pleading with him to come back, as Nigel’s time is running out.
Caught between his brother and mate, Grant faces an agonising decision: will he reach Nigel before it’s too late, or prioritise Phil instead?
Grant begs Phil to accompany him and bid farewell to Nigel, but despite time slipping away, Phil refuses to budge. The siblings have a blazing yet heartfelt confrontation before they dash back to Nigel’s bedside.
At the care home, Julie and numerous Walford locals bid their farewells, yet Nigel clings on, and fortunately, Phil arrives just in the nick of time.
Later in the week, Walford’s inhabitants are shattered by news that Nigel has passed away, and they unite to support Julie and Phil.
Upon returning to the Square, residents assemble to greet them and reveal plans to honour Nigel.
Following their bereavement, Julie is stunned by how rapidly the neighbourhood has rallied round, while Phil battles to maintain his composure.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
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