Nigel Bates returns for Christmas in EastEnders

Nigel Bates returns to BBC soap EastEnders for the first time in 26 years in a special Christmas Eve episode.

The character played by Paul Bradley appeared at a community center where Yolande Truman, played by Angela Winters, was volunteering during the episode.

Nigel left the show in April 1998 when he and his adopted daughter Claire left Albert Square to start a new life in Scotland with his partner Julie Hay and their son Josh.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be back as Nigel,” said Bradley.

“Despite it being so long ago, I’m still recognized as Nigel on the street.”

EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said it was “fantastic” to welcome Bradley back.

He also teased: “There’s a lot of mystery about Nigel’s condition and why he’s here alone, which will be revealed in the coming weeks.”

The BBC said that on Christmas Day, Nigel will be reunited with his childhood best friend Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden.

Bradley said he was having a great time working with McFadden again.

“I’m a big fan of his work and he’s really raised the bar,” he said.

During his first appearance on the show, his character’s biggest storyline involved him falling in love with his video shop employee Debbie Tyler, played by Nicola Duffett, before she was killed in a hit-and-run accident, and He became friends with June. Brown’s Dot Cotton who saw him as the son he never had.