Nigel Bates is back in Walford for the first time in 26 years as EastEnders viewers got a festive surprise when Phil's friend returned to Walford on Christmas Eve. Viewers saw Nigel in tonight's Christmas Eve episode when he turned up at the community centre where Yolande Trueman was volunteering.
Paul Bradley says: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street. Returning has been great as I’m so familiar with many of the faces at EastEnders, and they are a very friendly bunch. It’s fantastic to work with Steve McFadden again - I’m a huge admirer of his work, and he sets the bar really high. I’m having a really good time.”
