EastEnders has confirmed the return of Julie Bates for Nigel’s young on-set dementia storyline, 27 years after her last appearance.

It was previously revealed that Nigel had done a disappearing act on Julie to avoid telling her about his diagnosis, and lied to everyone in Walford by claiming that they had separated.

Karen Henthorn returned for a voice cameo earlier in the year, though it has now been confirmed that the actor is set to reprise the role proper in new scenes on the BBC soap.

Julie will arrive on Albert Square in the summer, where she is set to discover the truth about Nigel.

“It’s very surreal to be back in Albert Square after 27 years and working with the delightful Paul Bradley again – it’s scary how fast the time has gone!” Karen said in a statement.

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“Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive.

“It’s been great to film with Paul and Steve [McFadden], who are such lovely actors, as Julie discovers Nigel’s dementia diagnosis and why he chose to hide it from her.”

Executive producer Ben Wadey added: “We are delighted to have Karen Henthorn returning to reprise her role as Julie, who arrives looking for Nigel.

“Julie hasn’t seen Nigel in almost two years and is unaware of his diagnosis and reasons for leaving, so her arrival will pose questions for the pair of them.”

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Julie’s potential return was teased this week as Phil Mitchell struggled in his care for Nigel, and ex Kat Slater suggested he contact Julie to tell her the truth.

Does he decide to take her advice, and if so, is this what brings Julie back into the fold?

The character was last seen in 1998, when she and Nigel decided to move to Scotland for a new life.