EastEnders’ Nigel Bates said an emotional goodbye to Walford this week, but the show has now revealed whether he will be back.

Nigel’s wife Julie was brought to the Square by Jay, where she discovered the full extent of her husband’s dementia, and she was furious that Phil had failed to get in touch with her.

As Julie and Phil continued to clash, she decided that she would take Nigel home to Scotland. Phil reluctantly accepted this decision but couldn’t bear to say goodbye to his best friend.

Things got worse for Phil when he caught Callum with Johnny and realised that he was cheating on his son Ben. Phil was furious and threatened to expose the truth – before an explosive row with Jay and Callum led Phil to demand that Lexi lives with him instead.

Next week, the tension between Phil and Jay continues, with Phil remaining firm on his desire to look after Lexi.

But Phil soon has another issue to deal with when Julie unexpectedly returns to Walford with the news that Nigel has gone missing.

“Phil immediately panics, and is worried about the welfare of his mate,” explains our source. “Luckily Jay and Callum are on hand to help and vow to track down vulnerable Nigel. They team up with Yolande and manage to bring him back to No.55, to the relief of everyone.”

Related: EastEnders confirms when Alfie returns to Walford in advanced spoilers

But this frightening incident doesn’t exactly bring Phil and Julie together, as the pair continue to clash over Nigel and his safety.

They each get advice about how to deal with this tricky situation, with Julie confiding in Jay at the café and Yolande attempting to reach out to Phil. But will these wise words help matters?

“Julie and Phil just don’t see eye to eye,” our insider says. “What they do share is a deep love for Nigel, but it’s clear that they have very different ideas of what is best for him, as his condition continues to deteriorate.”

After having a chat with Billy, Phil decides that he will try harder to make peace with Julie. Will they resolve their rift – and will Nigel’s return to Walford become permanent?